Central Synagogue, Sydney, Modern Orthodox synagogue in Bondi Junction, Australia

The Central Synagogue is a Modern Orthodox synagogue on Bon Accord Avenue in Bondi Junction, extending back to Kenilworth Street. Its core is a two-level atrium lit by an oculus in the ceiling; the bimah and aron kodesh, clad in imported Jerusalem stone, stand directly beneath it in line with Jerusalem. Four windows by Janet Laurence hold forty-nine veils of glass.

The Surry Hills congregation, formed in 1912 to bring Eastern European custom to Sydney, merged with Bondi-Waverley in March 1921 to create the Eastern Suburbs Central Synagogue at Bondi Junction. The foundation stone was laid by Chief Rabbi of the British Empire Dr J. H. Hertz, and the synagogue was built at its present Bon Accord Avenue site in 1960.

The four large windows by Australian artist Janet Laurence are made of forty-nine veils of glass. Each window stands for one of the Four Worlds of Kabbalah, and the number forty-nine marks the highest level of spirituality in Judaism. The colours of the glass symbolise the sephirot.

The building hosts daily prayer services throughout the week and has several spaces available for different occasions. It is best to check ahead about visiting hours and be aware that access may vary on religious holidays.

An electrical fire in 1994 caused significant damage, but reconstruction efforts allowed the building to reopen in 1998 as the largest Jewish house of worship in the Southern Hemisphere. This achievement made it a notable landmark for the community and beyond.