This newspaper clipping from The Jewish Chronicle reports on the service of dedication for a new extension to the smallest synagogue in the United Kingdom, that of Risca Road, Newport. In a speech at the event, the long-serving City of Cardiff toastmaster Harry Poloway expressed his hope that the community would survive in spite of the difficulties encountered as the number of members keep dwindling.

Newport Monmouthshire Hebrew Congregation was founded in 1859 by orthodox Jews meeting at a temporary synagogue in Llanarth Street. A synagogue at Francis Street was opened in 1869 and consecrated by the Chief Rabbi Dr Herman Adler in 1871. In 1934 the congregation moved to their Nathan Harris Memorial Hall in Queens Hill which was converted to a synagogue. In 1997 this synagogue was closed, and the congregation moved to their Prayer House by the Jewish Burial Ground on Risca Road. Within 20 years the congregation had dwindled to a few members able to attend and this too had ceased to hold services.

Depository: Gwent Archives.