Maidenhead Synagogue

Maidenhead Synagogue
Maidenhead Synagogue shown within southern England
Basic information
Location Maidenhead, Berkshire, England
Geographic coordinates 51°31′34″N 0°42′22″W / 51.526°N 0.706°W / 51.526; -0.706Coordinates: 51°31′34″N 0°42′22″W / 51.526°N 0.706°W / 51.526; -0.706
Affiliation Reform Judaism
Status Active
Leadership Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain MBE
Website http://maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk

Maidenhead Synagogue is a Reform synagogue based in Maidenhead, England, serving Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and surrounding districts west of London in the Thames Valley area.[1]

History

Maidenhead Synagogue originated during World War II when many Jewish families were evacuated to the area from London. It was initially a community with no dedicated building, meeting for prayer in private houses and served by a volunteer rabbi and lay readers. At the war's end, some of the congregation stayed in the area and established a permanent Jewish community, acquiring a house for use as a dedicated synagogue building in 1953.[1]

The synagogue became part of the Reform Movement in 1960,[2] so receiving the services of student rabbis of the Leo Baeck College, among them being Jonathan Romain who was appointed as the synagogue's first full-time rabbi in 1980.[1] Since then, the synagogue moved to larger premises in 2001[1] and the congregation has grown to 800 families.[2][3]

Facilities

Part of the library at Maidenhead Synagogue

In addition to being a centre for worship, the synagogue's facilities include a library, a Judaica and kosher shop, a nursery school, a religion school, youth clubs, adult education classes, conversion classes, social activities for adults and children, a café, and a community care scheme.[1][4]

For members unable to travel to the synagogue, Shabbat morning services are streamed live via the Internet.[1]

All members receive by post a printed monthly community magazine named Hadashot (חדשות).[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 http://maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk
  2. 1 2 http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/118781/the-town-front-line-battle-survival
  3. ↑ http://www.thejc.com/community/community-life/38230/maidenhead-feels-home-tapestry
  4. ↑ http://synagogues.reformjudaism.org.uk/details/maidenhead-synagogue.html
  5. ↑ http://www.maidenheadsynagogue.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=25&Itemid=55

See also

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