Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Towns > Stepney
Boys laying the phylacteries, Jews Free School, Stepney, London, 1908
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
Boys laying the phylacteries, Jews Free School, Stepney, London, 1908
Boys strapping on phylacteries, Jews Free School, Stepney, London, 1908. A class of boys wearing caps sit at their desks with phylacteries (a set of small black leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah, which are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers). The Jews Free School opened as a Talmud Torah at the Great Synagogue in 1732. Originally a charity school for fifteen poor orphan boys it grew to become the largest Jewish School in Britain. Between 1880 and 1890 one third of all Anglo-Jewish children were educated there. The school is now called the JFS Comprehensive
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 15170128
© London Metropolitan Archives (City of London) / Heritage-Images
Council Desk Greater London Council Jewish Judaism School Schoolboy Schoolboys Schoolchild Schoolchildren Stepney Teach Teacher Teaching Torah Tower Hamlets Bell Lane Headgear Jews Free School Phylactery
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Arts
> Artists
> J
> Jewish School Jewish School
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Greater London
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> City of London
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Tower Hamlets
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Library
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Stepney
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> Tower Hamlets
EDITORS COMMENTS
Captured in this photograph from 1908, we witness a poignant moment at the Jews Free School in Stepney, London. A class of young boys, their heads adorned with caps, are diligently strapping on phylacteries as they prepare for their morning prayers. These small black leather boxes contain sacred scrolls inscribed with verses from the Torah, symbolizing the devotion and commitment of observant Jews. Established as a Talmud Torah at the Great Synagogue in 1732 to provide education for orphan boys in need, the Jews Free School grew over time to become Britain's largest Jewish school. Between 1880 and 1890, it played an instrumental role in shaping Anglo-Jewish education by educating one-third of all Jewish children during that period. The image offers us a glimpse into a bygone era when religious instruction was deeply ingrained within daily schooling. The classroom furniture reflects simplicity while exuding an air of discipline and orderliness. As these young minds engage with ancient texts and traditions under the guidance of their teacher, we can sense both reverence and eagerness emanating from them. Today known as JFS Comprehensive School, this institution continues its legacy of providing quality education while embracing modernity. This photograph serves as a testament to its rich history and enduring impact on generations past.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
