Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation
This year countries across the commonwealth are celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years since her ascension to the throne in 1952.
As a synagogue with deep ties to the English tradition, the Shaar has always taken pride as a congregation in the British Empire. During the war years, many of Rabbi Abramowitz’s sermons express gratitude to the British monarchy for the stability they have provided for Jewish communities across the Empire.
Previously we shared how the congregation marked the death of Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI. This week will mark 69 years since Her Majesty’s coronation which was held the following year on June 2nd, 1953. In honour of the occasion, the Shaar held a special service on the shabbat before the coronation on May 30th, 1953: “Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth”.
The service pamphlet was arranged, printed, and distributed by the Office of the Chief Rabbi of the British Empire. The special service consisted of psalms and prayers recited in honour of Her Majesty and concluded with a jubilant recitation of God Save the Queen (printed in both English and Hebrew).