We are an open, inclusive and caring community, proud to belong to the Movement for Progressive Judaism.
We welcome every individual and family that wants to join us on their and our Jewish journey, regardless of background, religious practice and Jewish knowledge.
We blend tradition and innovation, adapting customs and prayers to suit our inclusive community, practising equality to the best of our ability.
We celebrate Jewish life throughout the year, through social events, services and study. We support members in times of joy and sorrow, through our welfare work, prayer and social gatherings.
We take ourselves seriously but we also have fun and enjoy ourselves. We love to finish most events with a nosh and a chat.
Reform Judaism in Essex and Hertfordshire
We are a constituent member of the Movement for Reform Judaism in the UK. Today the movement represents over 40 synagogues with more than 35,000 men, women and children. Harlow Jewish Community is proud to be one of the first Reform synagogues in Essex. We joined the Movement for Reform Judaism in 1960.
We cooperate with Leo Baeck college, which over the last fifty years has been a source of rabbinic talent worldwide and for our community in particular. Lionel Blue, Michael Leigh and Tony Bayfield had their Rabbinic careers launched in our synagogue in Harlow town while they were still studying for the Rabbinate at the college.
We belong to the group of Eastern Counties Masorti and Progressive Synagogues and collaborate with our partners from synagogues and communities that represent Progressive Judaism in the UK and abroad.
We also celebrate together important events in the Jewish world, such as Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Day of Independence.
What's On
If you are not a member of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community and would like to visit us at the synagogue, you are very welcome. We would love to chat with you first so please contact our Rabbi or admin prior to your visit.
Our Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat services are on zoom.
