In May 2006, we celebrated our Centenary.  In that time the community has grown to be a thriving congregation encompassing all ages, backgrounds, and interests.  A succession of distinguished ministers and talented lay leaders has made the community one of the most vibrant and exciting in the United Kingdom, comparable in size with those in some of Britain’s largest cities, such as Liverpool and Birmingham. The facilities available are on par with those of many London communities.

Our Synagogue is situated in Finchley Road, Westcliff.  The Shul was built in 1968 using funds raised exclusively from within the community when we were led by the much loved and respected late Rabbi Pinchas Shebson (Z’TZ”l).

The hospitable air of the Shul has led to something of a renaissance, with more and more people regularly attending the Friday night and Shabbat morning services.  Particularly popular is the weekly leaflet located in the Shul and on our website. The Shabbat morning kiddushem, have become social focal points for the congregation, so that proceedings often continue long after the services have finished.

The fine modern architecture of Finchley Road Shul set in over an acre of land, combined with the magnificent interior and outstanding stained-glass windows have made this the centre-piece of the community.  The Synagogue service is again modelled on traditional lines, and members of the community are encouraged to take part in the conduct of the davenning where possible.  Minyanim are held every day for Shacharit, Minchah and Ma’ariv and on Shabbat there is always a very popular Seudah Shlishit (third Shabbat meal), at which a member of the community gives a d’var torah. On Shabbat mornings there is a Toddlers’ and Children service.  In addition, there is a Shacharit Breakfast for boys approaching Bar Mitzvah, which is extremely popular.

Every other Monday there is a SEED programme, where each person has their own partner to learn with and a ‘one to one’ learning session takes place.

Raymond House is a Jewish Care Residential Home situated overlooking the sea and houses elderly people from the local community and beyond.  Monthly services are held in the home’s synagogue on Shabbat morning, run by members of the local community.  This important mitzvah allows those unable to attend Shul to daven together on a regular basis.