Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London

Finchley Progressive Synagogue is a Liberal Jewish congregation and place of worship in North Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet. It stands on Hutton Grove and is one of the established communities of Progressive Judaism in north London. For visitors interested in the religious and social history of the capital's suburbs, it offers a look at how a congregation grew from a handful of families meeting in borrowed rooms into a community with its own purpose-built home.

Where is it?

The synagogue is in North Finchley, in the north of Greater London, within the Borough of Barnet. The building sits on Hutton Grove, a residential street close to the North Finchley high street area. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk around this part of Barnet.

How did the congregation begin?

The community was founded in 1953 as the Finchley Liberal Jewish Congregation. In its early years it had no building of its own. Members gathered in North Finchley Library, in private houses and at Moss Hall School, and some accounts also mention Christ Church and St. Mary's as places used before a permanent home was ready.

When was the synagogue built?

The current synagogue building dates from 1964. After 1971 the congregation became known as Finchley Progressive Synagogue. The hall is recorded as holding around 350 people, which gives a sense of the scale of the community that built it.

Who has led the community?

The congregation's rabbinic history is well documented:

• Frank Hellner, an American-born rabbi, led the community from 1966 until his retirement on 31 December 1999, serving as its only rabbi for 33 years.
• Mark Goldsmith served from 1999 to 2006.
• Neil Janes followed, serving from around 2006 to 2010.
• Rebecca Birk has been rabbi since 2011.

What kind of community is it?

Finchley Progressive Synagogue is part of Liberal Judaism and has a membership of roughly 350 families. On 23 December 2014 it was incorporated as a registered company, and it operates as a registered charity.

Practical tips for visitors

• This is an active place of worship, not a museum. Contact the congregation in advance if you would like to visit, and respect services and community events.
• Dress modestly and behave quietly when inside.
• Check current opening and service times with the synagogue directly, as they vary.

Frequently asked questions

Is Finchley Progressive Synagogue Orthodox? No. It is a Liberal, or Progressive, Jewish congregation.

When was it founded? The community was founded in 1953, and the present building was completed in 1964.

Where exactly is it? On Hutton Grove in North Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet.

How many people belong to it? Membership is around 350 families.

Who is the current rabbi? Rebecca Birk, who has held the post since 2011.