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Harriet James @harriet86jim

For years, I wondered what went on inside a hidden building on University Way near the University of Nairobi (UoN).  I would often gaze at its high walls as I walked past as a student at UoN . 

A recent visit to this place has taught me that this is the centre of Jewish culture and religion in Kenya, a symbol of unity and a sense of belonging. 

For Israel’s Deputy Ambassador, Eyal David, who was present during my tour, the Nairobi Synagogue gave him a sense of belonging when he first arrived in Kenya in August 2018.

“I came here during the Jewish holiday season. I didn’t know anyone, so I just joined in the prayers and community gatherings and it was wonderful,” he recalls.

The synagogue is located on what is known as God’s Corner of Nairobi.  Across Uhuru highway are various churches such as St Andrew’s, St Paul’s Catholic Church and the Lutheran Church, among others. Not far away on Valley Raod are the All Saint’s Cathedral and Citam. 

Inside, you find stained glass windows on each side, a window above the entrance and a full width stained glass window unit along the north elevation,  above the arch.

Each window patterns is captured in Jewish themes such as the 12 tribes of Israel, the burning bush, Noah’s Ark or the parting of the Red Sea. There are also inscriptions of the 10 Commandments. 

The ceiling is a shallow gable finished in white plaster, with golden chandeliers on top. The nave floor, finished in linoleum tiles is filled with long wooden and leather padded pews.

Each pew has a prayer shawl as well as liturgical books. The pulpit is carpeted, with a podium just like in Christian churches where one can read the scripture or the sermon of the day. 

A side cabinet holds the Torah at the southern elevation of the sanctuary, a remnant of the original synagogue built in 1912. Just like in a Muslim mosque, men and women sit separately, with   men occupying pews at the centre. 

Outside is a well-manicured garden with 12 seats named after the 12 tribes of Israel. Its a place of beauty and respite amidst of the noise and clutter of the CBD.

Present too is the six-pointed Star of David (In Hebrew, Magen David or Shield of David), the official seal of most Jewish communities, just as the cross symbolises the church.

Smaller buildings are used for educational, social and administrative purposes. 

The Jews follow the lunar calendar, which means that when the sun sets, the day ends and a new one begins.

During Shabbat (Sabbath), the Seventh day is Saturday, so Sunday is the first day of the week. “By law, in Israel, we don’t work on Saturdays. The day (Sabbath) begins on Friday evenings,” says the administrator.  

 The Shabbat starts by lighting special candles accompanied by prayers. Usually, heads of families will go and pray.

This is rest day and an observing family will not turn on the TV, listen to music, nor work, play music, turn on lights or cook.

Strict Jews switch off their phone for 24 hours. Meals are prepared in advance and the day can be spent in prayers. 

During service, a section of the Old Testament is read from the Torah. Later, someone will explain the reading (devar torah) , teach on ethics or ideas that explain the text. In addition, they also read portions of the prophets and Psalms.

“We do not always have a sermon, though we have the service. It depends on the congregation… rules and traditions vary with variations based on on the country the community is based,” she says. 

After the service, Jews say a prayer over the wine and bread, then mingle and chat.  Later, everyone goes home for family and community dinners, which assist in creating community bonds. 

The temple’s history is closely tied with the history of Jews in Kenya and Israel’s relations with Kenya.

December 9 last year marked 56 years since Gold Meir- then Israel’s Foreign Minister and later Prime minister toured  Kenya to establish diplomatic relations.

A book dubbed The Glimpses of the Jews of Kenya 1904-2004 (5664-5764) explains in detail of the origin of the Jews in Kenya. 

“Biemers Gedalia and Mushke who came from Palestine in 1913 formed Hutchings Biemer, a well-known furniture shop,” says Dr David Silverstein, president of the Nairobi Hebrew Congregation.