Facilities and Spaces
A welcoming place for prayer, community and celebration
Moor Lane Synagogue is a historic place of worship and an active community space.
Our building supports religious services, learning, community events, children’s activities, meetings, celebrations and charitable work. Whether you are attending a service for the first time, joining an event or enquiring about using one of our spaces, we want your visit to feel straightforward and welcoming.
Visiting Moor Lane for the first time
Visitors are warmly welcome at Moor Lane.
We understand that entering an unfamiliar synagogue can feel daunting, particularly if you are unsure where to go or what to expect. A member of the community will usually be available to welcome you, help you find a seat and explain anything you need to know.
You do not need to be familiar with our prayers or customs before attending.
Do I need to register in advance?
For ordinary services, advance registration is not normally required however visitors can contact us in advance.
For security reasons, first-time visitors may be asked to provide their name and some basic information before attending. Registration may also be required for:
- special services;
- High Holy Day services;
- ticketed events;
- large community occasions;
- children’s activities;
- private events;
- visits by organised groups.
To avoid disappointment, first-time visitors are encouraged to contact us before attending.
Contact Moor Lane Synagogue Manchester
Where to enter
The main visitor entrance is located at at the front of the building.
On arrival, please use the main front door and follow any signs or instructions provided.
For larger events, private functions or accessible entry, a different entrance may be used. Details will normally be included in the event information or booking confirmation.
If the door is locked when you arrive, please speak to the security representative, knock or telephone the published number.
What should I wear?
Visitors are asked to dress respectfully in keeping with the synagogue environment.
For men, this generally means:
- smart or smart-casual clothing;
- long trousers;
- a covered head while inside the synagogue.
Kippot are normally available for visitors who do not have one.
For women, modest dress is appreciated. This would usually include:
- shoulders covered;
- a skirt or dress of an appropriate length, or modest trousers where consistent with the occasion;
- clothing suitable for a place of worship.
Expectations may be more formal on Shabbat, festivals, weddings and special occasions.
Nobody should feel unable to attend because they are uncertain about what to wear. Please contact us where advice would be helpful.
Are children welcome?
Children are an important part of the Moor Lane community and are welcome at services and appropriate community events.
Parents and carers remain responsible for supervising their children unless they are attending a formally organised and supervised activity.
Depending on the service or event, facilities may include:
- children’s services;
- youth activities;
- toys or books;
- refreshments;
- supervised programmes.
Please check the individual event information or contact us in advance to confirm what provision will be available.
Children should not be left unattended anywhere in the building.
Accessibility
We want Moor Lane to be as accessible as reasonably possible.
Current facilities include:
- step-free access to the building at the rear;
- wheelchair-accessible entrance via a ramp;
- accessible seating (but arrangements must be made prior to visiting);
- space for mobility equipment;
- drop-off access using the main driveway.
Some parts of a historic building may be more difficult to access than others. Visitors with mobility, sensory or other access requirements are encouraged to contact us before attending so that suitable arrangements can be discussed.
Assistance dogs are welcome, subject to any necessary arrangements within areas used for religious services or food preparation.
Who will meet me?
For regular services, visitors will usually be welcomed by a synagogue officer, security representative, warden or member of the congregation.
They can help you:
- find the correct entrance;
- locate the men’s or women’s seating areas;
- find a suitable seat;
- obtain a prayer book or kippah;
- understand the order of the service;
- locate toilets and other facilities;
- meet members of the community;
- speak to the Rabbi or synagogue leadership where appropriate.
Where you have arranged your visit in advance, we may nominate a particular member to look out for you.
The Synagogue
The main synagogue is the heart of Moor Lane.
It is used for:
- weekday, Shabbat and festival services;
- weddings and other religious occasions;
- memorial services;
- communal prayer;
- religious addresses;
The synagogue reflects Moor Lane’s Spanish and Portuguese Jewish heritage and contains features connected to the congregation’s history, religious practice and traditions.
Seating is arranged in accordance with Orthodox Jewish practice, with separate areas for men and women.
Visitors are welcome to ask for guidance about where to sit or how to follow the service.
The Ladies’ Gallery
The ladies’ section provides seating for women during religious services.
Access is via the main entrance and then up the stairs towards the rear of the building. Visitors who may find stairs difficult should contact us in advance so that alternative arrangements can be explored.
The gallery offers a view of the synagogue and allows women to participate fully in the service in accordance with the congregation’s religious tradition.
The Community Hall
Our community hall is a flexible space used for social, educational and charitable activities.
It may be suitable for:
- Kiddush and communal meals;
- lectures and classes;
- children’s activities;
- meetings;
- receptions;
- exhibitions;
- community events;
- celebrations;
- fundraising activities;
- private functions.
The room can be arranged in different layouts depending on the occasion and the number of guests.
Available facilities may include:
- tables and chairs;
- serving areas;
- presentation equipment;
- audio equipment;
- access to kitchen facilities.
currently the hall is under refurbishment, please contact the synagogue for further updates
Kitchen and Catering Facilities
Moor Lane has kitchen and food-service facilities to support synagogue events and approved private functions.
All food brought into, stored, prepared or served within the building must comply with Moor Lane’s kashrut arrangements.
Before organising catering, hirers and event organisers must confirm:
- which caterers may be used;
- whether outside food is permitted;
- which utensils and equipment may be used;
- supervision requirements;
- cleaning arrangements;
- food-allergy responsibilities;
- waste-disposal arrangements.
No assumptions should be made about kitchen access or permitted food without prior approval.
Ask about catering and kashrut
Meeting and Learning Spaces
Smaller areas within the building may be used for:
- Torah classes;
- committee meetings;
- pastoral conversations;
- volunteer coordination;
- private discussions;
- archive and heritage work;
- small-group activities.
Availability depends on the synagogue calendar and the nature of the proposed activity.
Private or confidential meetings should be arranged in advance so that an appropriate space can be reserved.
Children’s and Youth Activities
Where children’s or youth activities are held at Moor Lane, they must operate within the relevant safeguarding arrangements.
This may include:
- appropriate adult supervision;
- registration and emergency contact details;
- controlled collection arrangements;
- suitable room allocation;
- safeguarding reporting procedures;
- food-allergy information;
- appropriate volunteer checks and training.
Parents and carers should follow the instructions provided for each activity and should not assume that general building access includes supervised childcare.
Heritage and Archive Displays
Moor Lane has a rich history connected to Manchester’s Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community. Please be in contact with the Manchester Jewish Museum if you require further help, advice or assistance.
Private Hire and Celebrations
Subject to availability and approval, Moor Lane’s facilities may be available for suitable private and communal events.
These may include:
- engagement celebrations;
- weddings;
- Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations;
- family gatherings;
- anniversary events;
- lectures;
- charity functions;
- community meetings;
- memorial gatherings.
All bookings are subject to:
- availability;
- capacity limits;
- security requirements;
- religious and kashrut requirements;
- safeguarding arrangements;
- insurance conditions;
- agreed hire terms;
- appropriate supervision and cleaning.
Submitting an enquiry does not confirm a booking.
Security
The safety of members and visitors is taken seriously.
Visitors may be asked to:
- register before attending;
- provide identification;
- confirm the purpose of their visit;
- allow bags to be checked;
- follow instructions from security personnel;
- avoid photographing security arrangements;
- remain within authorised areas.
Please do not be concerned if you are asked questions on arrival. These procedures are intended to protect everyone using the building.
Security information should not be posted publicly or shared unnecessarily.
Photography
Photography and filming may be restricted during services, on Shabbat and festivals, during children’s activities or in areas containing sensitive information.
Permission should be obtained before:
- photographing people;
- filming an event;
- photographing children;
- using professional equipment;
- publishing photographs taken inside the building;
- photographing religious objects or archive materials.
Event organisers are responsible for ensuring that appropriate consent arrangements are in place.
Toilets and Baby-Changing Facilities
Toilet facilities are available at Moor Lane.
Facilities include:
- men’s and women’s toilets;
- baby-changing facilities;
- handwashing facilities.
A member of the community can direct you on arrival.
Parking and Transport
Moor Lane is located at 18 Moor Lane, Salford, Manchester M7 3WX.
Parking options include:
- on-street parking;
- disabled drop-off;
- bicycle parking;
- public bus connections.
Visitors should observe all local parking restrictions and avoid obstructing neighbouring properties.
For major events, additional arrival and parking information may be provided in advance.
Building Capacity
Each room has a maximum safe capacity.
The number of people permitted will depend on:
- the room being used;
- the seating layout;
- the type of event;
- fire-safety requirements;
- accessibility needs;
- catering arrangements;
- the number of children present.
Event organisers must not exceed the capacity confirmed by Moor Lane.
Respecting the Building
Visitors and hirers are asked to help us care for this historic and sacred building.
Please:
- treat religious areas and objects respectfully;
- follow instructions from synagogue representatives;
- supervise children;
- use only the rooms included in your booking;
- leave spaces clean and tidy;
- report damage or hazards promptly;
- avoid attaching items to walls without permission;
- do not move religious or historic objects;
- comply with food, security and safeguarding requirements.
Plan your visit
Before visiting, it may be helpful to tell us:
- your name;
- when you intend to attend;
- how many people will be coming;
- whether this is your first synagogue visit;
- whether children will be attending;
- whether you have accessibility requirements;
- whether you would like someone to meet you;
- the purpose of your visit.
This enables us to make your arrival as comfortable as possible.
Contact us
For visitor arrangements, accessibility enquiries or information about our facilities, please contact us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Moor Lane.