Imagine services beginning in 1930 at number 7 Crescent Road. That’s where the story of Finchley Synagogue begins. Today we stand before a thriving community. It has over 1500 members. This is Finchley Synagogue also known as Kinloss Synagogue. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Orthodox Judaism in London.
Finchley Synagogue’s journey reflects the growth of its community. The congregation quickly outgrew its original location. A new synagogue opened in Kinloss Gardens near the North Circular Road in 1935. It could accommodate 500 people. This marked a significant step for the Finchley Hebrew Congregation. It became a constituent member of the United Synagogue.
By 1967 a larger space was needed. The current synagogue was built on an adjacent site. This new building could hold 1400 worshipers. Finchley Synagogue stands as one of the largest synagogues in the United Synagogue.
Kinloss Synagogue has a rich history of spiritual leadership. Rev Benjamin Wykansky served from about 1929 to 1932. Rabbi Dr Israel Porusch led the congregation from 1934 to 1939. Rabbi Dr Benjamin J Gelles served for many years from about 1948 to 1981. Rabbi Ephraim Yitzchak Mirvis served from 1996 to 2013. Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence led from 2014 to 2023.
Finchley Synagogue isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant center for Jewish life. It provides daily services. Shacharit services are held every morning. Mincha services take place in the afternoon. Shabbat services are a highlight of the week.
Interestingly Finchley Synagogue also houses a Persian Sephardi synagogue. This unique arrangement began in 2010. The Finchley Persian Sephardi Minyan formally joined Finchley Synagogue. It became a satellite community. This was a historic moment. It marked the first formal arrangement between the United Synagogue and a Sephardi congregation. The Persian Minyan has its own synagogue within the complex. It conducts services in the Persian Sephardi tradition.
The growth of Finchley Synagogue is reflected in its membership numbers. In 1940 there were 279 male seat holders. By 1970 this number had grown to 1242. A 1990 survey counted 1503 members. Today Finchley Synagogue remains a large and active congregation. It continues to serve the Jewish community of Finchley.
Finchley Synagogue’s story is one of continuous growth adaptation and community. From its humble beginnings in a small room to its current status as a landmark synagogue it embodies the enduring power of faith and community. As we conclude our visit remember the words of Rabbi Mirvis. Finchley Synagogue is more than just a building. It is a home for the Jewish soul.