Radlett Reform Synagogue and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree are excited to announce a bold new collaboration between our synagogues, working towards a merger of our activities and – subject to the approval of both communities – forming a combined Progressive Jewish community.

 

Our two synagogues are close neighbours in Hertfordshire, with perhaps a five minute drive from one to the other.  The rabbis and leaders of the two communities met in mid-April 2025 to discuss our hopes for the future of Progressive Jewish life in Hertfordshire, and found that we have a shared vision of a synagogue that has much of the character of a Jewish community centre as well as a spiritual centre. We all saw the need for community providing not just inspiring and engaging religious services and learning opportunities, but also Jewish culture in its myriad forms, as well as social space; indeed a Progressive Jewish home for the large population of Jews of all ages in the area, from pre-schoolers to senior members.

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We recognise the deep commitments to buildings and traditions that each community has developed over the years; one representative of TLSE, a founding member, was in the group that bought and renovated its current building, and Radlett Reform has been contemplating the renovation of its current building. We saw in each other a partner for creating a stronger community than either could hope to do on its own. It is this understanding that underlies the excitement felt by all of us in the meeting.

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There is of course a great deal of planning to be done, with the participation of the members of the two communities, but in the meantime we are collaborating and working increasingly closely together. The details are yet to be decided, but the vision is clear — a new Progressive Jewish community, which will become a centre for Jewish life for everyone in Hertfordshire.