It's also situated in Launceston, where a fledgling progressive Jewish group aims to increase its usage.

Maxine Manifold said the group planned to attend a Shabbat service at the synagogue every two months.

Shabbat is a festive day in which a person does not work, instead spending time with family and friends and contemplating the spiritual aspects of life.

One of Launceston Progressive Judaism's most active volunteers, Dr Manifold regularly commutes between Launceston's Jewish community and that of Hobart.

Hobart boasts Australia's oldest synagogue while Launceston synagogue closely follows.

Situated in St John Street, the Egyptian Revival-styled structure was built in 1844, consecrated in 1846 and  closed to worship in 1871.

Since its reopening in the 1930s, the building has been used intermittently.

It is   under the joint custodianship of John Sandor and the National Trust.

Launceston's Progressive Judaism group is  among about 150 Jewish people in Tasmania, the rest of whom are split between orthodox, secular and progressive streams.

All learn the same Torah and draw on the same traditions and customs - in progressive Judaism, the difference is an added awareness of and responsiveness to the world.

Festivals are of crucial importance, ethical eating is emphasised and social justice is of great importance.

Dr Manifold particularly emphasised the gravity of Tikkun Olam - literally ``world repair''.

``That's what you're here for, to make [the world] a better place,'' Dr Manifold said.

``Your job is to do good stuff.''

Dr Manifold said Jews believed all people should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

``We're more interested in what you do than what you believe,''  she said.

Dr Manifold said the group was dependent on the support of the National Trust in using the synagogue.

People looking to connect with progressive Judaism in Launceston can contact the group via launcestonchauvrah@gmail.com.