The United Synagogue

Community Decide Future Of Hampstead Synagogue

PRESS RELEASE


London,
7 March 2006

COMMUNITY DECIDE FUTURE OF HAMPSTEAD SYNAGOGUE


Exercising a model of good practice for all synagogues, the Hampstead Synagogue hosted a Community Consultation Meeting on Sunday to offer Synagogue members the chance to have their say about the Community’s forthcoming major redevelopment project. 70 members aged between 17 and 90 participated in the meeting, which generated the basis for the synagogue’s redevelopment plans.

The most widely shared concern was to further increase the growing number of young members and young families, and many of the suggestions for the use of the synagogue’s Community Centre related to these aims including space and resources for youth and children, disabled access, a kosher café and facilities for hosting functions. Additional requests in terms of worship included a smaller space than the 1200-seat chamber for more intimate davening and the addition of a central Bimah to supplement the front-located ark and platform.

Leonie Lewis, Community Development Group Director of the United Synagogue, commented: “Hampstead’s members are the lifeblood of the Synagogue and thus their input in its redevelopment is an absolute necessity. The consultation was a model of good practice for all synagogues considering their future development and strategy.”

The consultation also noted the Synagogue’s increasing attendance figures and excellent website with frequent email communication with many members and nearly 400 young adults across London. It also highlighted the great opportunity for women’s participation within a Modern Orthodox context, both in lay leadership and religious life.

Rabbi Dr Michael Harris commented: “Sunday's communal consultation meeting was an inspiring and heart warming event. It was a further significant step on the way to achieving our vision of the Hampstead Synagogue community as a vibrant, dynamic centre of Modern Orthodox life. It was particularly gratifying to hear that young people find us so welcoming and that they are joining our community in increasing numbers.”

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EDITORS’ NOTES: -

The Hampstead site, in Dennington Park Road, London NW6, comprises a beautiful, Grade 2* listed, 1892 Synagogue chamber designed by the innovative and renowned architect Delissa Joseph, and an adjoining community centre, built in the mid 20th century. Both buildings are in need of repair, and have been for many years.

The recent sale of land to the rear of the Community Centre has released funds to embark upon the long-awaited redevelopment works, starting with the urgent restoration of the Synagogue Chamber. Works on this building include repairs to vital structures including the roof, electricity supply, heating systems, and improved wheelchair access.

The prevailing feeling among members, shared passionately by the active Board of Management, is that any project undertaken in the name of the Community must include the regeneration of the Community Centre as well as restoration of the Synagogue Chamber. The Restoration Committee was set up in 2005 to implement the vision of the Board of Management through the redevelopment project. Sunday’s meeting was the culmination of their Consultation process, which they have used to discover the community’s hopes for the future and their insights from the present and past.


For further information, please contact:

Nikki Ginsberg
The PR Office
Work: 020 7383 3623
Email: nginsberg@theproffice.com

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