A database of several hundred historical descriptions and references to London's sounds. They're drawn mainly from primary sources such as autobiographies, diaries and statutes, as well as novels written around the times they depict.
Sound category: Religious > Rituals of other religions
Title of work: A Fortress in Anglo-Jewry
Type of publication: History
Author: Bernard Homa
Year of publication: 1953
Page/volume number: Unknown
Bernard Homa recalls the Machzike Hadath Synagogue in Brick Lane
My earliest recollections of the Machzike Hadath Synagogue go back to my boyhood. What a magnificent appearance it presented during the High Festivals! What a splendid array of Talmudic scholars along the honoured Eastern Wall! The shool overcrowded with extra chairs all round the bemah and in front of these, personal prayer stands suitably covered, with everybody keyed up to the importance of the occasion. One just felt the holiness of the place. And with what fervour were the prayers uttered! When the moment came for the Congregation to recite a prayer they could hardly wait for the chazan to finish his part before they would burst out in one loud accord impatient to show their devotion. And when the sepharim were carried to the bemah, how all thronged to kiss them! And the occasional banging by the shammas on a heavy machzar often accompanied by a loud 'Shah' to silence the more audible women-folk in the galleries hidden from view behind lace curtains.