5. SYNAGOGUE IN STATION ROAD 

In the late 1960’s, the Community resolved to embark on its most ambitious expansion to date, to erect a purpose built synagogue, seating over 400 members, on the site of the original house at No 1 Sylvan Avenue.

This project was conceived by the then Board of Management and initiated by a leading member of the Synagogue Mr Bertie Webber and co-ordinated by the then Financial Representative, Mr Jeffrey Pinnick.

A member of the Community, Mr John Katten, an Architect, was engaged to design and oversee the construction of the new self contained 3 storey building. This was to comprise a Synagogue and ladies gallery on the first and second floors, with beis hamedrash, classrooms and offices on the ground floor.

FUNDRAISING LEAFLET: click here to view

The total cost of the entire building project (including professional fees and loan interest) was app £35,000 (!). The United Synagogue on this occasion, agreed to advance a loan to meet the entire cost, subject to the Community backing this support with pledges for at least one-half of the amount. The response from the membership to this exciting development was very positive and pledges of support for the one-half contribution over a 10 year period, were received in a very short space of time.

The Social and Functions Committee took upon itself the main responsibility for raising the remaining amount needed to repay the United Synagogue over the stipulated period. It did in fact meet that commitment, primarily by holding major events such as New Year’s Eve Dinner Dances, initially at major London hotels; Quiz / Social evenings; and other fund-raising events, including a unique Donkey Derby race day (never to be forgotten, by those attending in the teeming rain and ankle deep mud !). It’s greatest and most long lasting and best remembered of all Synagogue financial and social successes, were the “Mannickins” Old Time Music Hall extravaganzas. 

The Synagogue was formally consecrated on Sunday 28th November 1971. The Chief Rabbi Dr E. Jakobovitz honoured us with his presence, as we were with the presence of the Mayor of Barnet, visiting clergy of many denominations, Mr Levin and Mr Frosh representing the United Synagogue and clergy and representatives of many neighbouring Synagogues. Rev Korn once again led the service, assisted by the Hendon Synagogue choir, under the direction of Mr Lionel Leigh. 

The building was formally opened by Mr Bertie Webber, who was presented with its “Golden Key” in recognition of his amazing efforts and support for the project.

HA'OR MAGAZINE: click here to view





The Community continued to grow and prosper. Several members of the Congregation held leading Honorary roles in Anglo Jewry’s Communal Institutions and Charities, amongst them being President of the United Synagogue; Treasurer of the United Synagogue, Treasurer of the Board of Deputies; Chairman of WIZO; Chairman / President of Jewish Care; Chairman / President of JFS, Chairman of AJEX, Chairman of the Zionist Federation and many other Communal, Religious and Charitable organisations. 



In 1993 Rabbi Cutler retired and was succeeded by Rabbi Schochet. This appointment, together with his wife Chani as Rebbetzin, heralded the beginning of both a new generation of religious leadership, which itself attracted a further influx of new, mostly younger generation members and the exciting onward development of the Community, into the digital and social media age of the 21st century .



On the 17th June 1999, the Community celebrated its Golden Jubilee with a celebration Dinner.

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