Welcome to Southend and District Reform Synagogue.
We
are an expanding, enthusiastic and welcoming Reform Jewish community (part of MRJ) - whether you're established
in the area, just moved in, studying or visiting, SDRS offers you a warm
welcome. We are easy to find directly opposite Chalkwell Park on the London
Road. The synagogue is conveniently located to serve Jewish individuals and
families across Southend, Westcliff, Rayleigh, Rochford and beyond.
SDRS was founded in 1946, meeting above a local shop in Leigh and inaugurated just a year later. The synagogue moved to its present building in 1961 and has gone from strength to strength celebrating our 60th year in 2006.
Our approach to religion is in the British
progressive tradition: open minded and thoughtful, respecting our history but
mindful of the times in which we live. We are fortunate to enjoy the guidance of
inspirational Rabbi, Warren
Elf, who joined us in 2003 after a fascinating and
varied earlier career.
Services are held in a mixture of Hebrew and English. Friday night services commence at 7.30pm* and Saturday services at 10.30am. Children are most welcome at our services, and a tradition unique to our synagogue is that they are called up to the Ark for the recitation of the Shema. Both boys and girls have their Bar / Bat Mitzvah at the age of twelve / thirteen, during the Shabbat morning service. In preparation, regular Cheder classes are held for children on Sunday morning.
We are happy to answer general enquiries about Judaism and Jewish practice as well as about our synagogue. We always enjoy seeing new people at our services and other activities.
If you would like to know more before coming along please contact us via e-mail at mail@southendreform.co.uk or by telephone. Call us on 0845 467 0 851.
Thank you for visiting us today.
*Friday night services are not held every week but only when the Rabbi (who is part time) is in town. Details of all services appear on the backpage of our quarterly magazine or please see the website Calendar.
SDRS
has ramped double door entry, unisex disabled facilities for wheelchair users, baby changing facilities
and a mini toilet seat for toddlers.
