It is the oldest extant synagogue building in Western Australia and was associated with Jewish community leaders and merchants in Fremantle at the end of the 19th century.

[3][4][5] Laurence Alexander, the manager of Falk and Company, was elected president of the first Jewish congregation established in Fremantle in August 1887.

Henry Seeligson acted as lay reader, from September 1888 when weekly meetings were commenced[1] in the barracks on South Terrace.

[10] The building was completed a few months later and a consecration service was held on 31 August 1902 led by the reader S. Miller who spoke Open unto the one the gates of the righteousness; I will enter them and bless the Lord.

They then circuited around the room three times chanting psalms, after which the Sefer Torah was placed in the ark and the perpetual lamp was lit.

[4] The Fremantle City Council acquired the building in 1969 and leased it for various commercial purposes including Barri's Rugs, a gallery, a clothing outlet named Skid Rose and various cafes.