Past Events

Covid-19 pandemic

Due to the global pandemic, the Synagogue closed its doors in early March 2020. This was the first time in the Synagogue’s history that we had to suspend services.

However, we have continued to bring the congregation together with a weekly Kabbalat Shabbat and weekly shiurim, and talks covering a wide variety of topics. A magic show over Zoom was enjoyed by all ages and members of the community, with over 100 people attending.

The Synagogue opened its doors during the pandemic to host a pop-up vaccine centre where those who were eligible were able to receive their vaccine. The event was open to our friends at the Churches, Gurdwara and Mosques in the local area.

The Synagogue has hosted several successful events prior to the current pandemic including:

90th Anniversary

Prior to the global pandemic we were lucky enough to celebrate our 90th anniversary.  We held a moving service in the Synagogue on 10^th March 2019 and a Jazz lunch on 30^th June 2019.

On 10^th March 2019 the community united for a wonderful service lead by Rabbi Abraham Lavi, which included joyous singing of ‘Boca del Dio’ and speeches from Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy and Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck. A splendid reception followed in the hall where a team of 4^th and 5^th generation congregants showcased Sephardi foods such as borekas, berenjena, 'Polly's' roscas, pastel, sfungato, cheese stuffed courgette and mina amongst others.

The Synagogue’s 90^th anniversary Jazz Lunch was attended by over 60 guests for a memorable occasion. The guests enjoyed a delicious three course catered lunch with the Goma2 Quartet Jazz Band playing many tunes which were easy on the ear. There was a wonderful friendly family atmosphere throughout and all who attended went home thoroughly entertained and well fed.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Due to the global pandemic, the Synagogue closed its doors in early March 2020.  This was the first time in the Synagogue's history that we had to suspend services.

During the Covid-19 pandemic we have continued to bring the congregation together with a weekly Kabbalat Shabbat and weekly shiurim and talks covering a wide variety of topics.  A magic show over Zoom was enjoyed by all ages and members of the community with over 100 people attending.

The Synagogue opened its doors during the pandemic to host a pop-up vaccine center where those who were eligible were able to receive their vaccine.  The event was open to our friends at the Churches, Gurdwara and Mosques in the local area.

The synagogue has hosted several successful events prior to the current pandemic including:

Displaced

Deborah Eliezer performed “Displaced." This was based on her Iraqi Jewish father’s life story - talking through his memories of Baghdad including the Farhud (the Iraqi Krystallnacht) in 1941, the oppression of the Jews after the State of Israel was declared- the execution of Shafiq Ades - the head of the community on trumped up charges, people losing jobs, people vanishing, public hangings etc and his struggle for identity.

'Who owns Jewish heritage in the Middle East?'

With the exodus of 99% of the Middle East’s Jewish population, the thorny question remains: what happens to the communal property they left behind? Community registers in Egypt. Torah scrolls in Yemen. The tug-of-war over the Iraqi-Jewish archive, now in the US but claimed by Iraq. Who owns the heritage of now-defunct Jewish communities in Arab countries? Is it the exiled Jews, or is it part of a country’s national heritage?

Maureen Lipman - A an audience with Maureen Lipman

With 140 guests in the synagogue hall we were richly entertained by the renowned actress and author Maureen Lipman who gave us a fascinating insight into her early and later life with many humorous anecdotes which were so true to life. It was a great privilege to have such a warm and down to earth person in our presence. With delicious refreshments to enjoy members and friends were again brought together in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 

Shabbat UK - We celebrated Shabbat UK in great style. Our special guest was our old friend, Dayan Pinhas Toledano former Av Beth Din of the Spanish and Portuguese Jews Congregation accompanied by his wife Janet. Dayan Toledano addressed us during the morning service and again with a question and answer discussion after a delicious lunch. His melodic hazanut was a pleasure to hear during the Services as were his knowledgeable insights into many Halachic questions. Many people stayed for the entire Shabbat and enjoyed the afternoon service followed by the third meal (Seuda Shlishit), evening service and Havdalah. 

AJEX Shabbat – A memorial prayer was recited for members of the community who fought in two world wars and the Israeli conflicts to honour the ex-servicemen and women of the Congregation. 

Uprooted Book Launch - Lyn Julius co-founder of Harif the UK Association of Jews from the Middle East and North Africa, launched her book “Uprooted" How 3,000 Years of Jewish civilisation in the Arab World vanished overnight”