An appeal to renovate the only synagogue in Norfolk and Suffolk is set to get a boost thanks to a visit to Norwich by a world-renowned choir.
The Norwich Hebrew Congregation is fundraising for a £385,000 project to revamp the community hall at the Earlham Road synagogue, with a plan to create a Jewish Community and Heritage Centre for Norwich.
The synagogue, which was consecrated in 1969, is visited by around 3,000 schoolchildren and their teachers each year.
But the communal hall of the synagogue dates back to the 1950s and is no longer considered 'fit for purpose', so the congregation has been looking to raise money for the refurbishment.
They will receive a boost on Sunday, June 25, when the UK's leading mixed voice Jewish Choir is to sing at Norwich's Catholic Cathedral from 7pm.
The 50-strong Zemel Choir from London was established in 1955 and has performed all over the world. They will sing an eclectic mix spanning musical theatre to Jewish liturgical pieces.
Dr Marian Prinsley, president of the Norwich Hebrew Congregation, said: 'Thanks to the kindness and generosity of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, this will be a truly interfaith event.
'We are honoured that we will be joined by Bishop Alan Hopes, Cathedral Dean Father David Paul, the Lord Mayor of Norwich and the Sheriff of Norwich.
'The event is to help us raise funds for the synagogue renovation and for the creation of what will be the Norwich Jewish Community and Heritage Centre.
'Norwich has important Jewish history going back almost a thousand years and we are hoping, through our fundraising to be able to display this history, as well as the present positive and tolerant interfaith relationships we now have within the city.'
The goal is for the hall to be available to the wider community, while the redevelopment would also include displays on the history of Jews in Norwich.
The revamp would enable a kitchen to be updated, a small library, brand new toilets, the modernisation of the main entrance to provide disabled access and updated heating and lighting.
Tickets are £18 in advance or £20 on the door and are available from Theatre Royal Box Office on 01603 630000 or on-line bookings via www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk
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