| West London Synagogue on Upper Berkeley Street | |
|---|---|
| Basic information | |
| Location | Upper Berkeley Street, London United Kingdom[1] |
| Affiliation | Reform Judaism |
| Municipality | London |
| Year consecrated | 1870 |
| Status | Active |
| Leadership | Senior Rabbi: Julia Neuberger Presidents: Mark Fox and Alexander Landau |
| Website | www.wls.org.uk |
| Architectural description | |
| Architectural style | Neo-Byzantine |
| Completed | 1870 |
The West London Synagogue of British Jews is a Reform jewish congregation of London. It was established on 15 April 1840. Its current building in Upper Berkeley street dates from 1870, making it the oldest standing Reform synagogue, and one of the oldest synagogues, in the United Kingdom.
Contents |
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[2]. 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 £5000, 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, Holocaust survivor and notable broadcaster, served as Assistant Minister at West London Synagogue from 1964 to 1968 and then as Senior Minister until his death in 1996[3]. Now serving in the emeritus position of senior scholar, Mark Winer succeeded Gryn and served as senior Rabbi for twelve years, retiring in September 2010.
The current rabbinic team includes Rabbi Helen Freeman, Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers and Julia Neuberger, who was announced Senior Rabbi in February 2011. David Mitchell, currently serving at Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue, will join West London from 21st November.
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.
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 kaddish. The organ was renovated in 2007.
Men and women may sit together during services. Male worshippers are required to wear a kippah; females can also wear one, but not required to do so.