The New West End Synagogue

The New West End Synagogue, which opened in 1879, is one of the oldest synagogue buildings in London. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Memorials above the stairs inside the synagogue. Photograph: Sarah Lee

A beautifully printed Torah (Old Testament) in Hebrew, comissioned and printed in Hamburg in 1596 by the Catholic church, who wanted a copy in the original language. Photograph: Sarah Lee

A silver Havdalah spice jar, used for part of the end of the Shabbat (Sabbath) ritual. Photograph: Sarah Lee

A decorative menorah, a seven-branched candelabrum that is a symbol of Judaism. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Talmudic scrolls, decorated with 19th-century silver plate and bells, inside the synagogue's Ark. Photograph: Sarah Lee

The exterior gothic arch above the main entrance, inscribed with the Ten Commandments. Photograph: Sarah Lee

The synagogue's recently-restored mosaic floor. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Talmudic texts belonging to the synagogue. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Girls from Kensington Prep School visit the synagogue to learn about other faiths and cultures. Photograph: Sarah Lee

One of the synagogue's treasures: a 19th-century plate decorated with 12 precious stones that represent the 12 tribes of Israel. Photograph: Sarah Lee

Talmud scrolls in the synagogue. Photograph: Sarah Lee

A man reads from the 1596 Torah. Photograph: Sarah Lee