Our History
Harlow Jewish Community
The community was established in 1952 with the help of Harold Titkin, an architect who worked for the Harlow Development Corporation.
In 1957, the community installed a temporary, single-story prefabricated structure which become our first synagogue.
In 1960 we joined the Movement for Reform Judaism UK, previously known as the Association of Reform Synagogues of Great Britain. A few years later a burial plot of land at the Parndon Wood Cemetery was allocated to Harlow Jewish Community use.
By 1977 the community raised enough funds to build a permanent brick structure to accommodate our synagogue building.
In 1998, the synagogue building was extended in order to accommodate the increased number of functions in the community.
In 2001, the community welcomed its first part-time rabbi, Michael Pertz.
In 2002, the community celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
Our current Rabbi, Irit Shillor, joined the community in 2005.
In 2009, the synagogue underwent some renovation and improvement work. As a result, we have a fully refurbished kitchen, security gates and a landscaped garden.
In 2020, in response to the health crises associated with the Covid-19, the community successfully adapted and was able to stream our services, educational and social activities via the Internet during the lockdowns. We also established our presence on Twitter and Facebook.
In 2021, we introduced our first hybrid service which allowed us simultaneous in-person and online participation. The year also marked the 16th anniversary of Rabbi Irit Shillor being appointed as our congregational Rabbi.
In 2022, Harlow Jewish Community celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Chelmsford Jewish Community
The Chelmsford Jewish Community [CJC] was established in 1974 to provide for local Jewish people of all shades of religious observance and background. It was a non-affiliated congregation open for membership to all co-religionists. Their non-Jewish partners are welcome to all events and services.
Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community
The merger with Harlow was finalised in January 2026 and has a joint membership of over 300 people. It is an affiliate member of The Movement for Progressive Judaism. There is a single synagogue council overseeing both locations. In practice, Stan Keller, long-standing Chairman of CJC and now Life Vice-President of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community will be the main contact for events in Chelmsford, and the Chairperson of Harlow & Chelmsford Jewish Community together with Rabbi Irit Shillor will look after the Harlow side, although all council members will be available to help administer the expanded community.
1950s
Small number of Jewish working-class families settles in Harlow town. Harlow Development Corporation allocates a plot of land for a potential synagogue.
1960s
Single story prefab structure was created in Harberts Road to accommodate the first ever synagogue in Harlow town. Harlow Jewish Community officially joins the association of Reform Synagogues of Great Britain, known today in the UK as The Movement for Reform Judaism. The synagogue acquired its own burial plot at Pardon Wood Cemetery
1970s
Proposal was made to build a brick-structure synagogue to accommodate up to 140 people. First part of the present day synagogue was completed in 1977
1980s
New synagogue building was completed and consecrated on 17 May 1987. The synagogue becomes a focal point of Reform Judaism in Essex and Hertfordshire with the membership reaching over 100 families.
1990s
Harlow Jewish Community celebrates the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel. By 2000 synagogue’s building extension is competed with additional facilities added to the current structure.
2000s
The community appointed its first Rabbi, Michael Pertz, on a part-time basis. The current Rabbi, Irit Shillor, was appointed in May 2006.
2012
The community celebrated its Diamond Jubilee.
2020
During the Covid pandemic Rabbi Irit Shillor introduced on-line Shabbat and Havdalah services, and weekly Torah classes. The community upgraded its branding, reviewed its social media presence and created a new website.
2022
Platinum Anniversary
