Our founders who gathered together 180 years ago could never have imagined where their vision would take their congregation.

At West London Synagogue, our goal is to provide an invigorating and spiritually nourishing Jewish life for our entire community, including religious services, social action and other outreach activities, religion school, study opportunities and topical special events.

There really is something for everyone, and we want to inspire, welcome and serve all those who enter our doors, now and for generations to come.

Although our community continues to grow from strength to strength, we cannot build on these strong foundations with membership fees alone.

Your gift will help us to: 

• Continue as a flagship synagogue of Progressive Judaism in Central London
• Enrich Jewish life across our whole congregation and beyond
• Maintain, restore and improve our 150 year old listed building
• Provide vital Social Care support
• Continue our tradition of helping others in need
• Preserve and enhance our ties with our neighbours and the wider community

You can direct your gift to specific areas or leave your legacy for general purposes.

You should discuss this gift with your family and your solicitor. You could  decide to leave: 

• A share of your estate (residuary gift)

This is a percentage of what remains of your estate after all other gifts and expenses have been paid. One of the advantages of residuary legacy is that it will always stay in proportion, because it is a percentage.
e.g. “I leave the residue of my estate to the West London Synagogue of British Jews...”

• A cash gift (pecuniary gift)

This is when you leave a set amount of money.
e.g. “I leave the sum of £XXX to the West London Synagogue of British Jews...”

• A Specific Gift

This is when you leave a gift that’s not money – like a house, artwork or a car, for example.
e.g. “I leave the following items to the West London Synagogue of British Jews (list items)...”

• Specific project or fund

This is a gift for a specific project (e.g. endowment or scholarship) or to establish a new permanent fund (e.g. memorial or education fund). For more information about various funds, please contact Stewart Sether, Executive Director, at [email protected]
e.g. “I leave the sum of £XXX to the West London Synagogue of British Jews for the purposes of…”

Please ensure that whichever text you choose is followed by:
“...whose registered office is situated at 33 Seymour Place, London, W1H 5AU (Registered Charity No: 1155821).”

• Do I need a solicitor to write my will?

No, but a solicitor can offer legal advice and ensure your will is valid and that your wishes will be met. 

• What if I change my mind about my will?

We understand that circumstances can change and you can update your will at any time.

• How can I include a gift to West London Synagogue?

You just need to tell your solicitor what you wish to give and provide our registered address and charity number, and they will do all the rest.

• Do I need to make a new will, if I already have one?

No – you could simply complete a codicil form and store it with your will. A codicil form is read alongside your will and allows you to make changes to it at any time.

It is best to discuss changes to your will with your family and your solicitor.

For more information, please email Stewart Sether, Executive Director, at [email protected]. If you would like, we can provide you with details of a choice of solicitors who can advise you in how to make a will and include a gift to West London Synagogue in your legacy.

The Chairman, Treasurer or any of the Honorary Officers will be happy to discuss all options with you in complete confidence, and with no obligation.

Thank you for considering West London Synagogue in your giving plans.