The Movement for Reform Judaism

One of the Reform Movement’s larger synagogues, Finchley Reform, has welcomed almost 100 new members in the last 8 months, since the appointment of rabbis Roderick Young and Miriam Bayfield who are to be formally inducted at the synagogue this weekend. This represents 12 percent of the total community and there are many more applications in the pipeline.

Debbie Jacobs, former Chair of the community, said: “Not since Rabbi Jeffrey Newman’s day have we seen this type of growth. We have a new application almost daily. It’s wonderful; the only question is whether our premises are big enough to cope with the influx!”

A third of the new members are under 30, and almost two thirds are young families. The new website, www.frsonline.org, which was launched a few months ago, has been attracting a lot of interest, with many people inquiring about membership via the web.

Debbie Jacobs continued: “This is solely a question of word of mouth and it is thanks to the charisma of our new rabbis. The synagogue has not been actively outreaching in any way.”

However, many new services and activities offered by the community are appealing to new members. For example, twice a term, the family service takes the place of the ordinary Shabbat morning service. And at other times, when there is no bar or bat-mitzvah taking place, young children are kept busy with books and toys in the ‘family Corner’ in the main sanctuary.

Rabbi Bayfield explained: “Introducing the family service means that young families can get involved in the community even before their kids start at Cheder. We believe families and kids should be at the heart of community life including services, rather than being marginalised.”

They are also planning to re-introduce children’s services on Saturday mornings, as well as a “Kuddle-up Shabbat” Kabbalat Shabbat service for parents with children who are too young to stay up for the main Friday evening service.

“There is no doubt that a huge pull for new members is the kindergarten,” comments Mrs. Jacobs. “Since receiving the best report for Barnet by Ofsted in October 2005, the kindergarten has had a long waiting list. We have to thank head teacher, Sharon Lee for the ‘outstanding’ result granted by Ofsted.”

Currently full, with 54 children and 23 on the waiting list, the kindergarten is hoping to expand and will make the most of new premises in the synagogue’s newly refurbished community room. 

There will be a full Shabbat of activities this weekend to mark the induction of both new rabbis. On Friday evening, a Chavurah supper will follow the service; and a ‘mega-kiddush’ and study afternoon will follow the Shabbat morning service at which Rabbi Tony Bayfield, head of The Movement for Reform Judaism and Miriam’s father, will formally induct both rabbis. Emeritus Rabbi, Jeffrey Newman will be reading from Torah and giving the final blessing. This unique double-induction Shabbat will be closed with a ‘Champagne Havdalah’.

For further details, please contact:
Andrea Newman, Movement for Reform Judaism Public Relations Officer

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