Manchester Jewish Museum has revealed the long-hidden contents of a time capsule discovered within the walls of a former synagogue. The glass container, found during a £6 million

renovation of the Grade II-listed building in 2020, contained a fascinating array of items dating back 150 years.

The sealed jar, dated June 11, 1873, held copies of renowned publications like The Times and The Jewish Chronicle, as well as a collection of coins. Eugenie Karen, the conservation officer at Manchester Central Library, expressed admiration for the items' remarkably good condition.

Originally known as the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue, the building in Cheetham Hill was designed by architect Edward Salomons and opened its doors in 1874. Its purpose was to serve Manchester's Sephardi Jewish communities, with its architecture and decor reflecting their Spanish and Portuguese heritage.

In 1984, the structure was transformed into the Manchester Jewish Museum, dedicated to preserving both the historical building and the rich Jewish history of Manchester.

The recent renovation project, which doubled the museum's size, included the creation of a new gallery to house over 31,000 artifacts of cultural significance.

The time capsule, sealed with wax, was discovered nestled deep within a wall cavity near the Torah's resting place, known as the Ark. The opening of the capsule preceded a series of upcoming events commemorating the building's 150th anniversary in 2024. Inside, they found an assortment of coins, synagogue documents, and newspapers.

Despite their age, the documents were remarkably well-preserved, requiring minimal restoration. Ms. Karen highlighted the surprisingly good condition of the paper items, attributing their survival to careful handling and minor repairs to strengthen weakened areas affected by mold. With proper storage, she expressed confidence that the documents would continue to endure for many years to come. Photo by Richerman, Wikimedia commons.