West London Synagogue
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The West London Synagogue of British Jews was established on the 15 April 1840, and is the oldest reform synagogue in Great Britain.
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[edit] History
- for the history of Reform Judaism in the UK, see Reform Judaism
The West London Synagogue of British Jews was formed by a group of families in west London after breaking away from the Bevis Marks congregation in 1841[1]. Its first location was a building in Burton Street, and David Woolf Marks was its first minister. On 27 January 1842, the West London Synagogue of British Jews was consecrated, the name reflecting the unity now existing between Sephardi and Ashkenazi members and expressing the patriotism felt for Britain by its members.
By 1848, the building in Burton Street had become too small for the congregation. A new location was found, in Margaret Street, Cavendish Square, at a cost of five thousand pounds, and it was consecrated on 25 January 1849.
From 1849 to 1867 the numbers of the congregation continued to rise, and a new location was required. Eventually, its current location in Upper Berkeley Street was found and was consecrated on 22 September 1870.
Rabbi Hugo Gryn, notable broadcaster, served as Assistant Minister at WLS from 1964-68 and then as Senior Minister until his death in 1996[2].
[edit] Building
The current building, dating from 1870, is located near Marble Arch in London. The main sanctuary is built in the Byzantine architectural style. The premises also contain offices, a library and various community facilities.
[edit] Customs and Ritual
Services at West London synagogue follow the prayer books of the Movement for Reform Judaism, which incorporate material from both Sephardi and Ashkenazi traditions. A choir and organ, located behind a screen to the rear of the dais, accompany the congregation in all musical parts of the service except for the aleinu and the kiddush. The organ has recently been renovated, but is now back in use.
Men and women may sit together during services if they so wish. Male worshippers are required to wear a kippah; females are permitted, but not required to wear one.
[edit] External links
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