OUR HISTORY 

The synagogue community was founded in 1840 and we moved into our splendid grade 2 listed building in Upper Berkeley Street in 1870.

Since the resettlement of 1656, Britain’s Jewish population has consisted of groups of quite different origin – Sephardim from the Mediterranean rim and Ashkenazim from Northern and Eastern Europe. Inevitably, social and cultural barriers grew between these groups and our founders were partly driven by a strong desire to overcome these divisions. Being loyal subjects of the Crown, they also wanted to express patriotism for their country and to give practical expression to their desire for Jews to play a full part in British life.

After much ferment in the Jewish community during the early nineteenth century, the proudly named West London Synagogue of British Jews emerged in 1840. The new synagogue community lived in two different West End premises until commissioning the building we now call home and consecrating it in September 1870.

CENTRAL LONDON'S LEADING JEWISH COMMUNITY 

A thriving, welcoming community of Jews, providing formal and informal opportunities for spiritual, religious and communal expression.

Young and old, individuals and families, people of all nationalities, sexual orientation and from all walks of life make up our lively community. Being Jewish and wanting to belong are the only qualifications you need.

Read about our vision for the future.

REFORM JUDAISM

We are Reform Jews. Our Jewish way of living is both rooted in ancient Jewish tradition and fully engaged with the modern world.

Our religious practice is based on Reform Judaism. We believe that Jewish law has to be freshly interpreted in every generation and that Jewish customs and practices should evolve alongside and in harmony with those of contemporary society.

You can read a fuller explanation of Reform Judaism in Rabbi Tony Bayfield’s statement: “What is Reform Judaism?”.

West London Synagogue belongs to the Movement for Reform Judaism and to the World Union For Progressive Judaism.