Australian Jewish Timeline
Where was the first synagogue opened in NSW? When was the Hakoah Club bombed? Who was Australia’s second Jewish Governor-General?
The Australian Jewish Historical Society maintains a dynamic timeline of Jews and the Jewish experience in Australia since the start of European Colonisation in 1788, highlighting major events and figures in the participation of the Jewish people in Australia history, and the development of its community.
Jewish History in Australia can be explored via the Timeline at a high level or in detail, extracting important dates by subject area, including: Politics, Military, Synagogues, Events, etc.
All Events
Start of the American War of Independence.
Territory: World
Following the defeat of the British forces England lost the ability to ship its excess convicts to Georgia and Louisiana. Ultimately led to Lords Melbourne & Sydney looking at the newly chartered east coast of Van Diemen’s Land as an ideal destination to rid England of its excess convicts.
The First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove. Of the 751 convicts transported to the fledgling NSW colony, at least 8 were Jews.
Territory: NSW
Over a thousand people of Jewish descent estimated to have been sent to Australia as convicts during the next 60 years.
Joseph Levy, the first Jew to die in NSW
Territory: NSW
John Harris, first policeman in colony of NSW
Territory: NSW
Proposed to Judge-Advocate David Collins to establish a night watch, ‘to be selected among the convicts for the purpose to stem the frequent commission of offences in the settlement’.
8 Jewish convicts at short-lived settlement at Sorrento in Port Phillip Bay.
Territory: Vic
Hobart, Tasmania is established as a penal colony at Sullivan’s Cove, Van Diemen’s Land. Of the orginal 270 convicts, 8 are Jewish.
Territory: Tas
Jewish convicts arrived from the then failing colony of Sorrento on Port Phillip Bay to Sullivans Cove – now the city of Hobart.
Governor Bligh deposed by Lt. Col. George Johnson
Territory: NSW
Johnson’s common-law wife was Esther Abrahams of the First Fleet who was Jewish.
First free Jewish male settler – Isaac Leo Lyon
Territory: NSW
Came as schoolmaster but did not claim any religious affiliation. However, father had a small boarding school in Cambridge reputed to be the first Jewish boarding school in England and was also a Hebrew teacher to the university.
First free Jewish woman settler – Esther Isaacs.
Territory: NSW
The first Jewish communal organization in Australia, the Chevra Kaddisha (Burial Society), is formed in Sydney.
Territory: NSW
The first Jewish services conducted in private homes by emancipist Joseph Marcus
Territory: NSW
One of the few convicts with Jewish knowledge
Merchant Phillip J Cohen arrives in Australia. Convenes regular religious services at his Sydney home
Territory: NSW
Cohen is authorized by the British Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschel to perform Jewish marriages. Cohen superintended the formal establishment of the Sydney Hebrew Congregation in 1832.
Michael Hyam arrived in NSW (Hyam Beach)
Territory: World
Michael Hyam received a grant of 41 acres of waterfront land in 1859 and the beach and town arenamed after him.
Solomon Levey independently finances Thomas Peel’s private venture, the Swan River (free-immigrant) Colony.
Territory: WA
This eventually became the Colony of Western Australia.
Levey trusted Peel as he was 2nd cousin of British P.M., Sir Robert Peel, and that Peel deigned to become the partner of a Jewish former convict. Levey paid dearly for this misjudgment.
The first organised services in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) are convened.
Territory: TAS
Reverend Aaron Levi arrives in Sydney.
Territory: NSW
Sefer Torah purchased by subscription. Services become more regular.
The earliest Jewish marriage, of John and Rebecca Moses, is officiated by P J Cohen.
Territory: NSW
The marriage of Moses Joseph and Rebecca Nathan in 1832 has commonly been taken to be the first Jewish marriage in the colony. However this Katubah still exists. As the organised Jewish congregation was only constituted in 1832, this earlier marriage may have preceded official records. .
The first formal congregation is formed in Sydney.
Territory: NSW
Services held in rooms above John Rowell’s pharmacy in George Street.
The first Jewish Cemetery in Sydney established at Sandhills Cemetery in Surry Hills.
Territory: NSW
It was resumed in 1901 for Central Railway Station.
Joseph Barrow Montefiore -elected president of first Jewish congregation in NSW.
Territory: World
Cousin of Sir Moses Montefiore
Bridge Street Synagogue in Sydney is consecrated
Territory: NSW
First synagogue in Australia was opened in rented premises
First Jewish marriage in the colony by P J Cohen of Moses Joseph and Rosetta Nathan
Territory: NSW
Jewish convicts were also married prior, but such marriages had been performed by the Anglican ministers, hence historians do not accept these as Jewish weddings.
Hebrew Philanthropic and Orphan Society established
Territory: NSW
Now incorporated with the Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Home
Barnett Levey officially opens Theatre Royal.
Territory: NSW
Australia’s oldest theatrical institution. Burnt down in 1840.
Jacob Montefiore is among the 11 Commissioners who establish the settlement of Adelaide.
Territory: SA
One of the venture’s backers is Sir Moses Montefiore.
The first minister in Sydney, Rev. Michael Rose, arrives.
Territory: NSW
There is no indication that Rose, who left the country after three years, acted as a minister at Bridge Street, though the Minutes do show that he performed the duties of a collector. He also appears in the official Bridge Street Birth Register as a mohel.
John Batman leader of a Tasmanian group with several Jewish members negotiated for the site of Melbourne with Aboriginal leaders.
Territory: Vic
Batman’s Treaty was denounced by the Crown as contrary to “terra nullius” principle.
Jewish services are initiated in Melbourne for the High Holy days.
Territory: VIC
The “Jewboy” bushranger Edward Davis active in Hunter Valley.
Territory: NSW
The foundation stone for the first purpose built synagogue in Australia on York Street Sydney laid.
Territory: NSW
Synagogue in use 1844-1877
George Moss publishes a Sydney edition of the London Voice of Jacob. Australia’s first Jewish Newsletter.
Territory: NSW
Short-lived.
Arrival of George Barron Goodman, first professional photographer in Sydney
Territory: NSW
Hobart synagogue is consecrated.
Territory: TAS
Constructed on land donated by Judah Solomon. Foundation stone laid 1843. Now the oldest synagogue in the country and is still in use
The first congregation forms in South Australia for High Holy days observance.
Territory: SA
At the Adelaide home of Burnett Nathan
Launceston Synagogue consecrated
Territory: Tas
Second oldest synagogue in Australia
The first of just three dedicated Jewish cemeteries in NSW is opened in Maitland.
Territory: NSW
The others were Goulburn (1848) and Raphael’s Ground (1867).
The premiere of ‘Don John of Austria’ by Isaac Nathan. The first Opera to be written, composed and produced in Australia.
Territory: Australia
The first synagogue in Melbourne is constructed on Bourke Street.
Territory: VIC
Victorian Jewish population increases from 200 in 1848 to 3000 1861.
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish the Communist Manifesto
Territory: World
Lionel Samson is elected to Western Australia’s Legislative Chamber, becoming the first Jew to be elected to an Australian Parliament.
Territory: WA
Over 50 Jewish MPs served during the colonial period. 1849-1900
Australia’s first Jewish Day Schools open in Sydney and Melbourne with support from respective colonial governments.
Territory: Australia
When government funding ended, both schools disband: in Melbourne in 1872 and Sydney in 1880.
Adelaide’s first Synagogue completed on the corner of Rundle Street and Synagogue Place.
Territory: SA
Jewish immigrants arrive in Ballarat and Bendigo with Gold Rush.
Territory: VIC
Ballarat Jewish community founded.
Territory: VIC
Weekly Shabbat minyan took place at the Clarendon Hotel.
Eureka Stockade, Ballarat stormed by troops.
Territory: VIC
Teddy Thonen, a German Jew was the first of 24 miners killed defending the stockade. Earlier Manastra Flatow, another German Jew, was one of those arrested in connection with the burning of the Eureka Hotel.
Original Ballarat Synagogue dedicated.
Territory: VIC
Wooden construction.
Macquarie Street Synagogue is established in Sydney
Territory: NSW
Formed by a split from the York Street synagogue. The split lasted almost 20 years, until the two congregations reunited to establish Sydney’s Great Synagogue in 1878.
Lord Rothschild becomes the first Jew elected to British Parliament
Territory: World
Queensland becomes an independent state
Territory: Qld
A number on Jewish families left Sydney for Brisbane where a synagogue was formed in 1886.
Magistrate, merchant and pastoralist, Saul Samuel is the first Jew to be a minister of the Crown
Territory: NSW
Serves numerous terms as NSW Treasurer and Post Master-General.
Forbes “Synagogue”
Territory: NSW
A small timber building during the gold rush, possibly burnt or washed away in a flood. Till 1990’s thought to be a synagogue.
The oldest mainland synagogue still in use, in Ballarat, is erected.
Territory: VIC
Cornerstone laid
Rev A B Davis appointed Minister York Street Synagogue in Sydney
Territory: NSW
Accidental death of Isaac Nathan “the Father of Australian Music” in Sydney
Territory: NSW
1790-1864.
Australia’s first tram fatality
Fifteen Jewish families form the first congregation in Brisbane.
Territory: QLD
They meet in rented auction rooms and a Masonic temple pending the consecration of its first synagogue in 1886.
Certified Denominational School – First Jewish Day School in NSW
Territory: NSW
Operated till 1882 when Government aid for denominational schools stopped.
Australian Israelite published by Solomon Joseph in Melbourne
Territory: VIC
First Australian Beth Din is established.
Territory: VIC
Headed by Rabbi Herman of Ballarat.
New synagogue erected/dedicated in Albert Street for the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation
Territory: VIC
Now oldest in Melbourne and only synagogue in the CBD.
The East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation is founded.
Territory: VIC
After separating from the Melbourne Hebrew Congregation.
Full civic equality is extended to the Jewish populations of western and central Europe
Territory: World
German agitator Wilhelm Marr coins the term ‘antisemitism’
Territory: World
The Great Synagogue on Elizabeth St. Sydney is consecrated.
Territory: NSW
First permanent Jewish newspaper the Jewish Herald established in Melbourne
Territory: VIC
Maitland Synagogue established – the first country synagogue in NSW
Territory: NSW
Closed 1898
Eastern European immigration to Australia after pogroms.
Territory: Australia
Anti Jewish laws are revived in Russia. Sparked by false official statements blaming Russia’s Jews for the assassination of Czar Alexander II
Territory: World
Pogroms generate a mass Jewish migration from across eastern Europe: USA 2,000,000 plus; Canada 120,000; England 220,000; Australia 2-3,000 between 1881 and 1914
Newtown Shule (2nd oldest ongoing synagogue in NSW – 3rd in Australia after Hobart and Launceston)
Territory: NSW
Religious services at the home of Abram & Naomi Solomon
Jewish community formed in Brisbane
Territory: QLD
Margaret Street Synagogue in Brisbane opens.
Territory: QLD
Foundation stone laid 7 July 1885
Julian Salamons appointed Chief Justice of New South Wales.
Territory: NSW
Declined to be sworn in “because of the hostility of the then current members of the bench”
Jewish community formed in Freemantle WA
Territory: WA
Sir Moses Montefiore Home opens in Dowling St. Sydney.
Territory: NSW
Sidney Myer opens his first store in Bendigo from which grew the eponymous national retail institution.
Territory: VIC
The Myer Emporium opened in Bourke Street, Melbourne, in July 1914.
Eliezer Montefiore, a founding trustee and president of the trustees, is appointed the first director of The Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Territory: NSW
Perth Hebrew Congregation is established.
Territory: WA
Chovevei Zion (Lovers’ of Zion Society) active in Sydney
Territory: NSW
3 years before the first Zionist Conference in Basle, Switzerland.
Nicholas II, succeeds his father to the Russian throne and instigates pogroms against Russia’s Jews
Territory: World
Dreyfuss Trial – Verdict handed down
Territory: World
Captain Alfred Dreyfuss, a French Jew, was the target for much anti-semitic prejudice. Discussion of his guilt or innocence was carried on in Australia
Aaron Blashki establishes the Jewish Aid Society to provide interest-free loans to poor Jews.
Territory: NSW
The Australian Jewish News is first published in Sydney under the name, the Hebrew Standard.
Territory: NSW
Editor Alfred Harris
Synagogue constructed at Coolgardie, on the Western Australian goldfields.
Territory: WA
Theodor Herzl writes Der Judenstaat (The Jewish State)
Territory: World
Heralds the emergence of modern Zionism as an organized political movement
Herbert ‘Bert’ Rapiport plays in the first season of the Victorian Football League.
Territory: Vic
Played three games for Fitzroy in 1897.
Formation of the Jewish Labor Bund (Union) in Eastern Europe
Territory: World
Jewish Labor Bund formed in Melbourne in 1928
The First World Zionist Congress is held in Basel, Switzerland
Territory: World
Rabbi I Bramson lived in Sydney from around 1898 to 1902.
Territory: NSW
Was not affiliated to any particular congregation and performed a number of Chupahs.
Vaiben Louis Solomon serves as the Premier of South Australia for one week (1.12.1899-8.12.1899).
Territory: SA
He is the first and only Jewish head of an Australian executive government.
Federation of Australia. Among the first Members of Federal Parliament are four Jews , in the House of Representatives.
Territory: Australia
Isaac Isaacs, Vaiben Louis Solomon, Elias Solomon and Pharez Phillips,
First Nobel Prizes awarded
Territory: World
As of 2017, 201 out of 892 Nobel Prize winners were Jewish.
The first Australian Zionist movement is formed in Perth
Territory: World
Helena Rubinstein migrates from Poland to Coleraine Victoria
Territory: Australia
Suffrage is extended to women in all Australian states
Territory: Australia
Kishinev pogrom.
Territory: NSW
Protest (at the Czarist policies that promoted this pogram) meeting held at Sydney Town Hall by concerned citizens of all faiths. Speakers included Abraham Pearlman, storekeeeper in Boggabri (NSW), born in Kishinev.
Second Aliyah to Palestine consisting mainly of socialist Zionists from eastern Europe.
Territory: Israel
They begin the kibbutz movement and the revival of Hebrew as a modern language. 1903-1914
Albert Einstein develops special theory of relativity
Territory: World
Isaac Isaacs appointed Commonwealth Attorney General
Territory: Australia
Broken Hill Synagogue foundation stone laid
Territory: NSW
Closed 1962
Kadimah established in Melbourne by Eastern European Jews
Territory: VIC
Zionist and Yiddish activities.
The Australian census records 17,287 Jews
Territory: Australia
