The Ohel, Witton Cemetery Jewish Section

The Ohel is a Jewish prayer hall, built in 1937 by the architectural firm Essex and Goodman. It is located within the Jewish section of Witton Cemetery, which was extended in 1935, replacing an earlier Ohel that had been demolished. The building is constructed of red Flemish bond brick with ashlar dressings and a plain tile roof. It has an octagonal plan with offset buttresses to the angles. The east side, serving as the entrance, and the west side, serving as the exit, each feature double doors with four-centered arches above, and windows with three lights. The north and south sides have recessed panels where a prayer board and roll of honour are displayed internally. The other sides each have a full-height, three-light window with a traceried head. A stone parapet with blind panels tops the building, and the dates 5697 and 1937 are inscribed above the entrance. The interior features a stone floor with inlaid marble bands to the edges and a central Star of David. Stained glass windows depict the Tribes of Israel and religious symbols. A central bronze light fitting is shaped like a Star of David. Lower walls are clad in oak panelling with vase-shaped finials at the angles, and an oak prayer board and roll of honour are located on the south and north sides, respectively. The ceiling is panelled with chevron mouldings along the ribs. The Ohel stands within the New Jewish Cemetery at Witton, Birmingham, and is significant as an example of late-Gothic style architecture with stained glass windows, features that are rare in Jewish buildings. Its construction date is notable, occurring during a period of increasing threat to European Jewry.