South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue, Ilford

South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue, known since September 2023 as Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue, is a Reform Jewish congregation in Newbury Park, Ilford, in the London Borough of Redbridge. It stands on Oaks Lane, in the northeast of Greater London, and belongs to the Movement for Reform Judaism.

Where is it and what is it?

The synagogue is a place of worship for a Reform Jewish community in the Ilford area, in the Borough of Redbridge. Its building on Oaks Lane dates from 1966. The congregation is registered as a charity, and its present leader is Rabbi Jordan Helfman. Wikidata lists the site at roughly 51.577 N, 0.095 E.

What is the history of the congregation?

The community was founded in 1956 as the S.W. Essex Synagogue. In its earliest years it had no building of its own: members met in private homes, and later the group used the Labour Hall in Ilford. Around 1966 it took the name South-West Essex Reform Synagogue, often shortened to SWERS, and moved into the Oaks Lane address.

In 1997 the congregation merged with the Settlement Synagogue, and the combined community adopted the name South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue. For several years after the merger, Sabbath services were also held at the former Settlement Synagogue building in Stepney Green, in east London. Records show this arrangement continuing until at least 2008.

In September 2023 the congregation began using the shorter working name Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue, which is the name you are most likely to see on current signs and in everyday use.

Why might a visitor be interested?

The site is of interest to anyone following the history of Jewish communities in London's eastern suburbs. Its story, from meetings in homes to a purpose-built synagogue and a later merger, reflects how Jewish life shifted from the East End towards Essex and outer London in the second half of the twentieth century. The building is also a good example of a suburban place of worship from the 1960s.

How do I get there?

The synagogue is on Oaks Lane in Newbury Park, a district of Ilford. Because it is an active place of worship, it is best to contact the community in advance if you want to visit, and to respect the times set aside for services.

Frequently asked questions

Is it the same as Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue? Yes. Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue is the working name adopted in September 2023 for the South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue.

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

When was the congregation founded? In 1956, under the name S.W. Essex Synagogue.

What was the Settlement Synagogue? A separate congregation that merged with this one in 1997. Its former building in Stepney Green hosted Sabbath services for some years afterwards.

Who leads the congregation? Rabbi Jordan Helfman is named as its current leader.