Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney - Jana Vytrhlik

Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney - Jana Vytrhlik'Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney: The story of a visual heritage' by Jana Vytrhlik explores the lesser known aspects of Sydney's Jewish history, focusing on lost synagogues, hidden artistic traditions, and architectural heritage. The book's illustrations showcase the cultural significance of Jewish life in early Sydney. It is popularly believed that Judaism is a religion that rejects visual arts and prohibits the creation of sculpted designs. Not

'Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney: The story of a visual heritage'  by Jana Vytrhlik explores the lesser-known aspects of Sydney's Jewish history, focusing on lost synagogues, hidden artistic traditions, and architectural heritage. The book's illustrations showcase the cultural significance of Jewish life in early Sydney. 

It is popularly believed that Judaism is a religion that rejects visual arts and prohibits the creation of sculpted designs. Not surprisingly, nineteenth-century Australia is not best known for its Jewish art. Yet, as revealed in the Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney, an important visual heritage survives and is marked by fine Judaica objects, artworks, and unique synagogue architecture.

In 2024, when the Sydney Jewish community commemorates two milestones, it is timely to explore its history through the visual heritage.

In 1844, 180 years ago, the emerging Sydney Jewish congregation consecrated the first synagogue designed and built in Australia. Three decades later, in 1874, architect Thomas Rowe won the design competition with his bold vision for the new Great Synagogue, one of the most admired Victorian buildings in Australia. These significant events prepared the way for the future development of a distinct Australian Jewish visual identity. For the first time, the book Treasures of Old Jewish Sydney brings to light the lesser known stories of long lost synagogues and the hidden past of art, artefacts, and architecture.

Richly illustrated, this book reveals the presence of a Jewish cultural heritage and important synagogue architecture in Sydney. Included are Jewish ritual objects, or Judaica, such as silver Torah ornaments, testimonials, gold embroidery textiles, illuminated manuscripts, and rarely published nineteenth-century portraits and archival Jewish community records.

The book's author, Jana Vytrhlik, is a historian with a PhD in Art History from the University of Sydney, specializing in Jewish art and architecture. Her research and writing provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, including the story of her own journey from Prague to Sydney. 

The book also includes personal stories and reflections on the significance of these treasures for the Jewish community. 

Longueville Media 2024, hardcover

Endorsements 2025

This volume has filled a much-needed gap in historiography... enriching our knowledge of Jewish life, practice and history in Australia. Judges’ Comments, Leslie and Sophie Caplan Award for Jewish Non-Fiction, generously donated by the Caplan Family, AJWA 2025

A distinctive and rich historical account... handsomely produced and beautifull researched. NSW Premier’s History Awards Judges’ Report, 2025

A real treasure—not only for the Sydney community but for the field of Judaica and Jewish history in general. Professor Avril Alba, University of Sydney

Brings to light the lesser-known stories of long-lost synagogues and the hidden past of art, artefacts, and architecture. National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards Jury, 2025

A magnum opus. Congratulations on an incredible achievement. Dr Michael Oser, Sydney

Such a well-deserved award for your beautiful book and forensic research. Adele and Dr David Rosalky, Australian Jewish Historical Society, ACT and ANU

The book has been a huge success and created enormous excitement within the community. Kevin Sumption PSM, CEO, Sydney Jewish Museum

A masterpiece. Congratulations. Dr Mendel Monk, President, Chevra Kadisha, Sydney

A wonderful achievement and recognition of your dedication to the subject and contribution to our understanding of Jewish Sydney. Anna Stern, Deputy Director, Programs, Shalom Collective

You made a difference. Delighted to see your decades of work recognised by the AJWA 2025. Robert Samuel, CEO, Shalom Collective

An important publication showcasing Australia’s visual heritage of fine Judaica objects, artworks, and unique synagogue architecture. David Longfield, Director, Longueville Media

Enjoying both the fascinating text and the illustrations—such an interesting and important topic. Samantha Friend, Silver Society of Australia, Sydney

Please note: this book will post out from 12 January 2026