The Jewish Community in Aberdare 'Then and Now'

The earliest recorded date showing the presence of Jews in Cynon Valley so far discovered is 1857, when the Aberdare pawnbroking firm of Lyon and Hyam contributed the sum of £2.2.0d (£2.10p.) towards a clock and a peal of bells for the newly erected Anglican church of St Elvan in the town centre. An unusual donation you may think; an acknowledgement to a community from which they derived their income perhaps, or the fact that they were not exclusively church bells but parish bells to be rung in celebration for all?

From The Cardiff and Merthyr Guardian Glamorgan Monmouth and Brecon Gazette, 1 August 1857, p.1.​

Image credit The National Library of Wales.

The outcome of the research was put on display by JHAW/CHIC and Cynon Valley Museum at an Open Day held at the museum on Saturday, 29 February 2020.

The event was very well attended and in addition to the artefacts displayed by the museum, JHAW/CHIC brought a wealth of interesting items with them adding to the success of the day.

The highlight of the event was a lively and informative lecture given by Mr Stanley Soffa on the history of Jews in England and Wales from the reign of William I to the present, highlighting migration into South Wales and Cynon Valley in particular. This was well received by an attentive audience whose many post-talk questions reflected their understanding of and interest in the subject.

Written by Geoffrey Evans, JHAW/CHIC volunteer.