The Liberal Jewish Synagogue
History
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, founded in 1911, is the oldest and largest (over 2,000 men, women and children) of more than thirty congregations belonging to Liberal Judaism.
History Overview
The LJS was founded in 1911, by the Committee of The Jewish Religious Union, as the first Liberal congregation. By 1912 premises had been acquired in a former chapel in Hill Street, Park Road. By 1918 it was evident that a larger building was needed, a site was purchased in 1924 at the present location in St. John's Wood, and an imposing synagogue seating 1,350 and communal hall, designed by Ernerst M. Joseph, Honorary architect to the ULPS and founder member of the LJS, was opened in 1925, and consequently membership increased further.
Rabbi Israel Mattuck was inducted as the first Minister in 1912, and under his leadership membership grew considerably. From the beginning men and women sat together, hats were not required for men, and from 1915 seats were not assigned to individuals.
Claude G. Montefiore was the first President, until almost his death in 1938, and the Hon. Lily Montagu often helped to conduct services. Rev [later Rabbi] Leslie Edgar was engaged as assistant minister in 1931 and became the Senior Minister.
From its inception there was a Religion School, with correspondence classes for children who could not attend; and a flourishing Youth Group (The Alumni Society) from 1918.
The synagogue was seriously damaged by an enemy bomb in 1940. Although it was repaired by 1950 and used until 1988, serious structural defects prompted the synagogue Council to undertake a major re-building project. The building was demolished, only the original portico (six ionic columns, donated by Bernard Baron in 1924) being retained, the right to build flats above was purchased by a developer, and the present building was opened in 1991. The interior of the congregational premises was designed by Israeli architects Kantor Schwartz; the beautiful sanctuary is lined with Jerusalem stone and the Ark doors are a mesh of metals set in frames of bronze .
The wall between the two entrance doors holds the memorial to the six million Jews who perished in the Sho'ah (Holocaust). The stone, a three-ton Kilkenny limestone, is the work of the sculptor Anish Kapoor and was dedicated 10 November 1996, the 58th anniversary of Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass). The sculpture is located on an axis with the Ark and ner tamid; the polished black of the void at the stone's centre reflects one's own inverted image as well as the light from the slot in the Sanctuary wall. The inscription reads, ‘We have vowed to remember’.
A brochure is available giving details of the building, its interior, exterior and its furnishings. It can be bought at the synagogue or viewed here.
The LJS has a tradition of leadership of the Liberal movement, its rabbis have been involved in writing the liturgy, and excellent musical accompaniment has long been a feature of the services. Rabbi (later Dr) John Rayner became Assistant Minister in 1957 with Rabbi Edgar, and then from 1961 until his retirement in 1989 Senior Rabbi and the leader of Liberal Judaism. Rabbi David Goldberg succeeded him and is now Rabbi Emeritus. Rabbi Alexandra Wright has been Senior Rabbi from 2004.
Membership in 2006 is around 2,000, the largest of the Liberal congregations.
Over 50% of our members are in the 30-55 year-old age range. A full range of activities is provided for all ages.
