Australian Jewish Historical Society

First formal congregation is formed in Sydney, holding services in rooms above John Rowell’s pharmacy in George Street.

Held at the Argyle Street, Hobart home of wealthy emancipist Judah Solomon. Read more in the AJHS Journal

First organised services in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) are convened. Read More »

Reverend Aaron Levi arrives in Sydney.

Judaism, Timeline

Sefer Torah purchased by subscription. Services become more regular.

Reverend Aaron Levi arrives in Sydney. Read More »

Solomon Levey independently finances Thomas Peel’s private venture, the Swan River (free-immigrant) Colony. This eventually becomes the Colony of Western Australia.

Australian Events, Timeline

Levey trusted Peel as he was 2nd cousin of British P.M., Sir Robert Peel, and that Peel deigned to become the partner of a Jewish former convict. Levey paid dearly for this misjudgment. Read more in the AJHS Journal

Solomon Levey independently finances Thomas Peel’s private venture, the Swan River (free-immigrant) Colony. This eventually becomes the Colony of Western Australia. Read More »

Merchant Phillip J Cohen arrives in Australia. Convenes regular religious services at his Sydney home

Judaism, Timeline

Cohen is authorized by the British Chief Rabbi Solomon Hirschel to perform Jewish marriages. Cohen superintended the formal establishment of the Sydney Hebrew Congregation in 1832. Read more in the AJHS Journal

Merchant Phillip J Cohen arrives in Australia. Convenes regular religious services at his Sydney home Read More »

Michael Hyam arrived in NSW (Hyam Beach)

Immigration, Timeline

Michael Hyam received a grant of 41 acres of waterfront land in 1859 and the beach and town are named after him. Read more in the AJHS Journal

Michael Hyam arrived in NSW (Hyam Beach) Read More »

First Jewish services conducted in private homes by emancipist Joseph Marcus

Judaism, Timeline

One of the few convicts with Jewish knowledge Read more in the AJHS Journal

First Jewish services conducted in private homes by emancipist Joseph Marcus Read More »

First Jewish communal organization in Australia, the Chevra Kaddisha (Burial Society), is formed in Sydney.

Community, Timeline

First free Jewish woman settler – Esther Isaacs.

Immigration, Timeline

Another contender is Ann Bocherah, the free wife of Solomon Bocherah, a Second Fleet convict arriving in mid 1790. She was the second Jew to arrive free after Rosanna Abrahams, the infant daughter of Esther Abrahams born in Newgate prison.