Built between 1861 and 1871 as a Merchant Seamen's Orphan Asylum, Wanstead hospital was declared surplus to NHS requirements some years ago. Most of the buildings on the site have since been converted for residential use.

Sukkat Shalom synagogue, listed grade II*, was originally the hospice chapel. The building, which occupies a prominent corner site, was obtained by Sukkat Shalom and has been adapted for use as a synagogue with the aid of grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Historic joinery and stained glass from the former Jewish Hospital in Tottenham were removed to Wanstead and adapted to fit the new chapel, work which involved liaison with English Heritage, accurate digital surveying and the extensive use of rectified photography.