Due to the earthquake of February 22 the synagogue is closed until further notice.
For more information and the latest updates, see below.
Christchurch Jewish Synagogue
Address: 406 Durham Street
Christchurch
Postal Address: P.O. Box 21-253
Christchurch
Telephone: 021 0287 1650
Email: info@chc.org.nz
Welcome to the Canterbury Hebrew Congregation, serving the Jewish community in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. Our synagogue, Temple Beth-El, is situated in central Christchurch. We offer regular Shabbat services as well as cheder classes, Bar and Bat Mitzvah training, holiday services and a variety of social activities. We are also home to the South Island chapter of Habonim Dror and the Christchurch Council of Jewish Women.

Update March 30
It is now 5 weeks since our world was literally shaken apart. Slowly things are getting more normal. At the time of writing we still live under a state of emergency, we still have to boil our water before drinking and there are still large parts of the city centre that are inaccessible to the general public, but nearly all have electricity and water again, much of the rubble and silt from liquefaction has been removed and we are slowly moving towards the repair phase.

Our Shul which got damaged during the quake has also entered the repair phase. The tower which houses the ark is leaning over towards the street, pulling up the floors and dislodging our large stained glass windows. The windows themselves appear to be intact (they had been reinforced to triple glazing just before the September earthquake). Today our building crew has started to dismantle the tower stone by stone so that it is no longer in danger of falling over and the building can be made weatherproof again.

Rebuilding the ark tower is not as straight forward as it may seem. First of all it will take some time for the ground to settle again. It will be half a year or even longer before we can even consider putting up a new tower. Whether we are able to rebuild the tower as it was is not sure yet. We are awaiting reports from geotechnical engineers to see what lies beneath the surface and whether it will be able to support a heavy structure. It may be that we have to look for an alternative for the ark, but we won’t know for some time. What is certain that the building will be out of action for a year or possibly longer.

Not having a shul building hasn’t stopped us from having services and celebrating festivals. Services have continued at a member’s private home and our record of 147 years of not missing any still stands. We were able to arrange a function room and celebrated Purim in style with many fairies, pirates, witches, superman, scary monsters and others in attendance. The children helped with reading the megillah and we all had fun making masks and catching up with each other. Next step will be to get the entire community together for Pesach!
Bracing the 'tower' that houses the Ark
Rescueing the Torah scrolls
Damage in the kitchen
Empty book shelves in the library
Rescued Torah scrolls
Helping with the scrolls
Window from the old Shul, amazingly it survived
Help and support for community members and friends
We have tried to contact everyone, but if you have not heard from us, let us know your details, so we can add you to our list and make sure you are alright. You can contact us at 02102871650 or info@chc.org.nz

If you have in any way been affected by the earthquakes and aftershocks, please let us know what we can do to help you. Help is available, whether you need someone to talk to, help you get water or shopping, a place to take a shower, do some laundry, someone to clean up the liquefaction at your house or simply someone to have a cup of tea with. You can give us a ring at 02102871650.

Financial help will be available for those who have suffered significant losses. If you are in immediate need, let us know straight away. Further details will be available once we have finalised the setup of our emergency relief fund. This will take some time, as we want to make sure we have the proper procedures in place and can ensure that money will reach those in need.
Donations
We have received offers for donations from around the world. At the moment we all have access to food, water, clothing and shelter. However soon, when the time has come to start rebuilding, some families will be in real financial need and donations at that time will make a difference.

Donations can be send to:
Account name: Canterbury Hebrew Congregation
Bank: Westpac, Merivale Branch, Christchurch
Account No.: 03-1707-0120334-001
reference: earthquake donation

When sending money from outside New Zealand, please remember that there usually is a fee involved. It is best to pool donations rather than send individual ones.

Please be aware that there have already been a number of scam emails going around, pretending to be from reputable organisations such as the Red Cross. If you are in doubt please contact us at info@chc.org.nz
Services & other activities at CHC
Until the synagogue building has repaired and passed inspection, it will not be possible to hold services at our own premises. Until that time, we will try to organise services at the houses of individual members and soon hope to have alternative premises. Details about services will be sent out via email. If you are not on the distribution list, please send us your details at info@chc.org.nz so we can keep you informed.

Cheder & B’nei Mitzvah classes, Habonim D’ror and Friendly Circle meetings have been cancelled until further notice. We are working on an alternative programme, but for the moment we are concentrating on helping those who are in need.

We organising the Pesach Seder. We have found an alternative location and details will be send out to our members soon.
Bereavement services
The Canterbury Hebrew Congregation and the Chevrah Kedusha work with John Rhind Funeral Directors. They are situated 13-19 London Street, Christchurch. 03 379 9920