Synagogue Information | Charles' Bar Mitzvah 2026

Synagogue Information

The Synagogue

The South Manchester Synagogue was founded in 1872. After finding homes in Chorlton and Fallowfield, it was relocated to Bowdon in 2002. A friendly, local community attend the Synagogue and are led by Rabbi Dovid Lewis.

Bowdon Synagogue is a light and modern building. If you look around you will see many beautiful, stained glass windows in the ladies gallery, showing images of Jewish festivals. The service is conducted from the Bimah (stage in the centre) and at the front of the synagogue you will see the Ark - this contains the scrolls of the holy book, the Torah. In front of the Ark is the Ner Tamid, which is an everlasting light.

The Service

During the service the congregation will read prayers and sing songs from the morning service found in the Siddur (prayer book). At different times the congregation will stand up and all congregants will be asked to do so if they are able.

Around 10.15 the Torah service will begin and Charles will receive his call up (Aliyah) to the Bimah! Once Charles has completed his piece, women in the ladies gallery will shower him with sweets to signal the completion of this ceremony. At this point mini congregants will rush around the Bimah to fill their pockets with as many sweet treats as they can find. It is advised that men sitting on the lower floor take cover from the sugary missiles at this point.

Following on from the Torah service there will a sermon from Rabbi Lewis, a memorial prayer and some psalms. During the Torah service and prayers the congregation are expected to be quiet.

After the service everyone is invited downstairs for a Kiddush (a blessing over a cup of wine). When this is made congregants will be able to enjoy a selection of drinks and snacks (with time to kvell over the Bar Mitzvah boy).

Customs to follow when inside the Synagogue:

Congregants wear smart clothing (similar to clothes worn during a church service) and dress modestly
In orthodox Synagogues such as Bowdon women wear skirts and dresses (not trousers) and married women cover their heads with a hat or head covering
A kippah (head covering) is traditionally worn by males during the service. A kippah is a sign of respect to G-d and the sacredness of the worship space (these will be available if you do not have one)
As it is Shabbat (a day of rest) no electronic devices can be used in the Synagogue and congregants must turn their phones off. Congregants will not be able to take photographs on the day but ample opportunities will be made at Sunday lunch, the following day
Smoking is not allowed in the Synagogue or on the grounds
Once the Kiddush has finished congregants are free to leave. For safety reasons is it kindly asked that congregants do not gather outside the Synagogue at this time