In 1961, the members adopted a Statement of principles and policy, which continues to guide the congregation’s approach to every aspect of Synagogue life and is provided to all members. This statement affirms a belief in Judaism as a relevant motivating power in members’ lives and calls for participation in the life of Jewry as a whole and in human endeavour in the wider community; for services giving voice to the authentic Jewish tradition in a manner suitable to the present time; for a democratic administration, and for a sense of congregational responsibility.

The Congregation was founded in 1957 by a group of families who pledged “to create a Synagogue which would be an instrument for the pursuit of religious truth, a source of encouragement to human progress and of comfort to individual men and women.”

The services are conducted in an atmosphere of decorum. Men and women sit together and participate equally. All members are encouraged to take an active part in the services. The Synagogue has its own Daily & Sabbath and Three Pilgrim Festivals prayer books. Services are read in both Hebrew and English. There is an organ accompaniment. Kippot are worn by men and they wear a tallit when playing an active role in the service. A cantor generally leads the singing but members are encouraged to sing too.

An independent kindergarten, Eaton Square Knightsbridge, operates at Kent House in our basement classrooms. They offer both morning and afternoon sessions. For more information, contact ESKN http://www.eatonsquareschool.com/ direct.

Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk runs a monthly Baby Café on Friday mornings for member parents and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years. Activities are centred on celebrating Shabbat and festivals.

or shabbat, our Shabbat morning learning programme, has special classes for children aged 3 to 11. Classes operate from 9.30 to 12.30 during school term times. The curriculum incorporates Jewish studies, small group Hebrew tuition and a whole school approach to assembly, singing, festivals and other topics.  There is a special programme for  bnei mitzvah for children aged 11-13.

Yes, the Synagogue employs a Youth Educator who coordinates activities for students aged 12-16. These include residential weekends, some of them abroad. Activities are varied and offer both learning and social opportunities.  For more information, contact our Youth Educator, Benji Stanley, at benji@westminstersynagogue.org.

Bar or Bat Mitzvah follows a two-year period of preparation, following attendance at or shabbat. Students aged 11+ follow a monthly Bnei Mitzvah programme on Friday nights and Saturday mornings. The programme includes family learning opportunities, residential weekends and festival activities.

Bnei Mitzvah graduates are invited to read from the Torah on the anniversary of their portion.

Distance learning can be arranged for students attending boarding school and who are away from London during school term time, in conjunction with Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk.

Yes, if you are a member and your child attends the two-year B’nei Mitzvah programme. The synagogue’s policy is that a child who receives a Jewish education is considered Jewish irrespective of which of the parents is Jewish. Following Bar/Bat Mitzvah, an application is made for a Status Certificate, if necessary and appropriate, confirming the child’s Jewish Status in the eyes of the non-orthodox community in the UK and abroad.

The Synagogue provides learning programmes for all age groups including inter-generational and family learning. We offer an ‘Access to Judaism’ course for all members and prospective members – an insight into Judaism that is both simple and extensive. Rabbi Salamon and Rabbi Qassim Birk lead sessions for the adult members of the congregation in the study of biblical Judaism, Hebrew and contemporary Jewish life. Jewish parenting courses are offered on Shabbat mornings to parents of children attending or shabbat.  There are classes for those who wish to convert to Judaism (and their partners) which are also run on Shabbat mornings.

Baby blessings can be arranged for girls and boys and usually take place during the Shabbat morning service, or privately by arrangement. On request, the Rabbi can also help families by recommending a Mohel and with arrangements for Brit Milah.

Marriages can be solemnised under the auspices of Westminster Synagogue when both parties are of the Jewish faith and are members of the Synagogue. The Chuppah can be held in the splendid surroundings of Kent House or a venue of the couple’s choice. Kent House is also available for room hire for family celebration following the wedding service. <link to members only section on Venue Hire>

In a marriage where only one partner is Jewish, we do our utmost to assist and sustain in every way those who wish to have a meaningful link with the Jewish community. Following discussion with the Rabbi/s of the community a marriage blessing can be arranged provided the couple have had a civil wedding before the ceremony. This is a meaningful service where families of the couple are present and it can be held at Kent House or at a venue of the couple’s choice.

If we are notified, our Rabbi or a member of the community will visit members in hospital and in their home.

Rabbi Salamon officiates at both burials and cremation. The Synagogue will help you through these difficult times by providing practical and spiritual support. In the event of a death in your family, contact the synagogue office and a rabbi will be in contact with the bereaved as quickly as possible.

You and your family can participate fully in all our services including the High Holydays, education programmes, social events and activities and send your children to our lively Cheder. You receive our newsletters. Membership also includes our burial scheme. There are reduced rates for hiring the synagogue function rooms.

Yes, any time except the High Holydays.  There are also special Open Days to visit or shabbat, our children’s educational facility.  See our Event Calendar or contact the Synagogue Secretary at secretary@westminstersynagogue.org.

Payment should be made by Direct Debit, click here to download a form.  Or contact Peter Herman at the Synagogue office on 020 7584 3953 or by email accountant@westminstersynagogue.org.

You will know if you look at the synagogue accounts that the income from subscriptions never covers our expenses. To raise the funds we need to function as a synagogue, we rely on donations and fund-raising. There is an annual programme of fund-raising functions but we need to appeal to members and friends for gifts.