EDRS celebrates 80th anniversary

Edgware & District Reform Synagogue (EDRS) celebrated the 80th anniversary of its inauguration on Saturday 14th February with a special Civic Shabbat Service attended by numerous distinguished guests. Joining the community in celebration were The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet Councillor Hugh Rayner, Honorary Alderman Richard Romain (Harrow), Bob Blackman, MP (Harrow East), Matthew Offord, MP (Hendon), Andrew Dismore, London Assembly member (Barnet and Camden), Robert Weiner, Chair of the Movement for Reform Judaism and Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism.

Other dignitaries included local Councillors from the Boroughs of Barnet and Harrow, representatives from local churches, temples and Reform and Liberal Synagogues. Mitch Wax, immediate Past-President of EDRS, warmly welcomed the guests on behalf of the entire EDRS congregation.

The joyous service was led by Rabbi Daniel Smith, Senior Minister of EDRS, assisted by Marc Finer (Cantor), the EDRS choir conducted by Ann Sadan (Director of Music) and Jeremy Harrod (lay reader). Hugh Rayner, Mayor of Barnet, spoke to congratulate EDRS on reaching its landmark anniversary and commented on its warmth and strong sense of community.Following the service, all attendees enjoyed a celebratory kiddush.

“We are proud to have reached this anniversary and, at the same time, are looking forward to our next decade of renewal as we continue developing the EDRS family” commented Stephen Garfinkel, EDRS Chairman.

The celebrations will continue more informally with a 1980s disco on Saturday 28th February 2015. Please visit the EDRS website for more details.