Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue

Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue
Basic information
Location Brighton and Hove, Sussex, England
Affiliation Reform Judaism
Status Active
Leadership Rabbi Dr Andrea Zanardo[1]
Website http://www.bh-rs.org/

Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue is a synagogue in Hove, Sussex, England. It has 500 adult members.[2]

History and affiliation

The community was founded in 1955 with temporary accommodation and the synagogue was dedicated in 1967 to serve a rapidly growing community. The 400-capacity building was designed by Derek Sharp. A plaque indicates that the foundation stone was laid on 17 July 1966, or in the Hebrew calendar, 29 Tammuz 5726. It become the largest congregation in Brighton and Hove and one of the larger ones in the Reform Movement.

The first rabbi to serve the community was Rabbi Rosenblum who developed a style of prayer which combined a sense of tradition with mixed seating and inclusion of English beside a mainly Hebrew rendering of the service. In 2011 members of the synagogue voted in favour of equal rights for women congregants.[3]

The synagogue is a member of the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Rabbi

The synagogue's current rabbi is Dr Andrea Zanardo, who was appointed in September 2012.[1] Rabbi Zanardo was born in Varese and was among the founders of the first Italian Progressive Congregation whilst studying for his PhD. He was ordained in July 2012 after rabbinical studies at Leo Baeck College.

Services

Weekly Shabbat services are held on Friday night and Saturday morning. All the Jewish festivals are celebrated. Special children's services are also held for most of the festivals.

Community

The synagogue runs a very active Social and Welfare department with exercise classes for older members, a book club and members teas. There is a lunch and discussion group, regular adult education classes including Hebrew classes and a cheder (religion school) for children.

Each year over a thousand pupils come from local schools to learn some basic knowledge about Judaism. The children are shown Jewish artifacts and are taught about the traditions and rituals.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "New rabbis for a new year" (Press release). Movement for Reform Judaism. 6 September 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  2. ↑ "The 500-member shul which cannot afford a full-time rabbi". The Jewish Chronicle (London). 6 April 2012. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  3. ↑ "Brighton Reform votes for equality". The Jewish Chronicle. 28 July 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2013.

See also

External links

Coordinates: 50°49′46″N 0°09′46″W / 50.82956°N 0.16265°W