Mosaic Reform Synagogue

Mosaic Reform Synagogue is a Reform Jewish congregation in the London Borough of Harrow, England. It belongs to the Movement for Reform Judaism and today worships in Stanmore, at the northern edge of Greater London. Its story spans more than six decades and two buildings.

What is Mosaic Reform Synagogue?

It is a community of Reform Judaism, the progressive stream of Jewish religious life in Britain. The congregation is a registered UK charitable organisation. Its rabbi is Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton. The name "Mosaic" reflects the fact that the synagogue shares its home with two other communities, Mosaic Liberal and Mosaic Masorti, so that three streams of Judaism live under one roof.

When and how was the congregation founded?

The community was established in 1959 under the name Middlesex New Synagogue. Its first minister was Rabbi Lionel Blue, who served from 1961 to 1964 and later became widely known in Britain as a broadcaster and writer. He was followed by Rabbi Michael Goulston, who served from 1965 to 1968, and by Rabbi Michael Standfield, who led the congregation from 1971 to 1986.

Where was the synagogue before Stanmore?

From 1962 the congregation was based in Harrow, at 39 Bessborough Road. A new purpose-built building on that site was dedicated in 1977. From June 2011 the Mosaic Liberal Synagogue also used the Bessborough Road premises, and the address served as the shared administrative base of all three Mosaic congregations. The congregation remained in Harrow until 2022.

Where is it today?

In October 2022 the congregation moved to a purpose-built complex at 1a Halsbury Close, 65 Stanmore Hill, HA7 3DY. The complex houses all three Mosaic communities: Reform, Liberal and Masorti. The site lies in Stanmore, which belongs to the Borough of Harrow, and its coordinates are about 51.5785 N, 0.3421 W.

How do you get there and what should you know before visiting?

Stanmore Hill is in the north-west of London, in the Harrow borough. A synagogue is an active place of worship, so anyone wishing to visit should contact the community beforehand to ask about services, opening arrangements and any security requirements. Visitors should dress modestly and respectfully.

Frequently asked questions

Is Mosaic Reform Synagogue still in Harrow town? No. The congregation left Bessborough Road in Harrow in 2022 and now meets in Stanmore, which is still within the London Borough of Harrow.

What is the difference between Reform, Liberal and Masorti Judaism? They are three distinct streams of Judaism in Britain. At the Stanmore Hill complex, each of the three has its own congregation under the shared Mosaic name.

Who was the first minister? Rabbi Lionel Blue, who served from 1961 to 1964, when the community was still called Middlesex New Synagogue.

When was the congregation founded? In 1959, as Middlesex New Synagogue. It moved to Bessborough Road in 1962 and to Stanmore Hill in 2022.

Which movement does it belong to? The Movement for Reform Judaism.