Here stands Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue. This is not just a building. It is a testament to a vibrant and growing Jewish community.
Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue started in 1955. It began as Boreham Wood Elstree and District Affiliated Synagogue. By 2018 it grew into the United Synagogue’s largest congregation with 1200 families. The Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue shows how much the Jewish community has grown here.
Let’s step back in time. The community formed in 1955. In those early days there were just 49 male seatholders. By 1960 that number almost doubled to 92. The synagogue became a constituent of the United Synagogue around 1977. By 1977 membership reached 325 male or household members and 30 female members. Imagine the growth.
The principal synagogue is on Croxdale Road in Borehamwood. There is also the Southside Synagogue. It is located at Yavneh College. Alternative services occur at Gilah Hall and a private home in Elstree. The Southside minyan began around 2008. Discussions started in 2023 about it becoming an independent congregation.
Now I want to share with you the beautiful Hillman stained-glass windows. They were transferred from Bayswater Synagogue when it closed. The modern single-story synagogue opened in 1986.
Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue has a dynamic religious leadership. Rabbi Alex Chapper leads the community with Rebbetzen Eva Chapper. Rabbi Yaakov Finn also serves the community. Rabbi Alan Plancey is now the Emeritus Rabbi.
This synagogue is a hub of activity. Hundreds attend services every Shabbat. These services take place at the Croxdale Road synagogue and Yavneh College. Over 250 children and youth attend specific services. Many more attend services and educational activities on festivals.
During the week the synagogue complex hosts many activities. There are daily services and educational programs. Social programs are available for adults and youth. Events cater to the youngest members. The synagogue houses Gilah Nursery. It is an Orthodox Jewish nursery for children aged 18 months to primary school. Gilah Nursery received an “Outstanding” rating from Ofsted in 2019.
The Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue is innovative. It is welcoming. It is an active Modern Orthodox Zionist community. The community emphasizes caring for its members. It helps members grow spiritually. It provides many religious and educational experiences.
One successful innovation is DHL. Daily Halacha Live is a daily podcast. Rabbi Chapper produces it. Hundreds of subscribers receive it via WhatsApp. The women of the community wrote a book exploring every parsha in the Torah.
Social action is important here. Volunteers dedicate time to local community action. They partner with local facilities like foodbanks and shelters. The Community Cares team supports hundreds in need. The community raises funds for its Hardship Fund.
This is a place of community. This is a place of learning. This is Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue.