In 1943 a handful of families, looking for an alternative to Orthodox Judaism, started holding services in each other's homes. Following the ideals of the founders of the Liberal Jewish movement, they were determined to build a community of like-minded Jews - people who were looking for a form of their religion that was meaningful and relevant to 20th century Britain and one that provided equal status for men and women in synagogue life.

The present site was acquired in 1954; the original house, named Richard Michael House, is now used as administrative offices, by the Religion School and other Synagogue groups. What was the large garden is now the site of the Schindler Hall and provides High Holyday seating for 450 congregants and for 160 at sit down functions.

In 1989, we opened our purpose-built Synagogue situated at the side of the house. 160 congregants can pray in this beautiful and tranquil sanctuary. The whole self-contained complex serves the needs of some 850 members and their children, with a wide range of religious and secular activities. Now in its seventh decade, Southgate Progressive Synagogue continues to develop as a warm and friendly community and we aim to make everyone feel very welcome.

Always looking to the future needs of our community, the proposed building project will provide much needed space for Youth activities, as well as providing additional facilities for the less able.

Southgate Progressive Synagogue is an active constituent of Liberal Judaism and is represented on the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The Synagogue is a supporter of the Leo Baeck College - Centre for Jewish Education in Finchley.

We have an active and enthusiastic volunteer force who are committed to developing and improving synagogue life through the following committees:

Council
Chaverim (friends of the Religion School)
Finance
General Purposes
House
Marketing
Religious Activities
Security
Social Action
Social Activities
Welfare
Youth and Education

If you like to help or get in touch with any of these committees, please contact the Synagogue office on 020 8886 0977.

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Bridge Club
The Bridge Club is now over 40 years old!
There is a core of regulars (from all shuls) who help to make our Monday evenings a pleasant, social evening as well as playing Bridge. We have all made new and good friends.
All the money raised is given to our shul and my records show that, to date, we have donated £17,726.
If there are any Bridge players who would like to join us, come along before 7.30pm on Mondays. You do not need a partner as we arrange the tables for you. I can assure you of a very friendly welcome.

Cubs and Scouts
Our flourishing Scout Troop meets each Tuesday at 7.00pm
in the Schindler Hall.

Music With Friends
Those who enjoy classical music are invited to join our informal Music With Friends group. Once a month we meet in the homes of our members to enjoy a personal selection from our host's collection of recorded music, and refreshments during the interval! Newcomers are always welcome.

Play Reading Group
A group of interested members meet together on the third Wednesday of each month from 8-11pm in the homes of the members to read plays together, sometimes but not exclusively, with a Jewish theme or author. Time permitting, the group also enjoys discussing the background of each play and its author. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, all are welcome and the evening will usually include the traditional tea/coffee and cakes break; this is occasionally extended to include a bottle of wine if the mood takes us! We are a non-profit making group and a small contribution covers the cost of refreshments and book hire.

Rosh Chodesh Group
Our Rosh Chodesh Group was formed for women to meet, to pray together and to support each other. The beginning of the lunar month was chosen as an appropriate time to meet because women, for much of their lives anyway, are ruled by the moon (or at least follow a lunar cycle). The group meets to learn, to study and to discuss ideas that are of relevance to women, with a religious bias. During the course of an evening we share refreshments. Gatherings are informal and are open to all women. Call for information on upcoming events.

Table Tennis
If you can play a bit and would like to join, either as a social or team player, come along to the Schindler Hall any Monday at 7.30pm.

Youth Clubs
See Youth Section

Jewish Care's Connect @ Southgate
"What makes Jewish Care's Connect @ Southgate different? This is a question we are constantly being asked. The best way to find out is to come along. Each Tuesday in the Schindler Hall we pack a regular Tai Chi Class, where everyone is benefiting from this gentle form of relaxing exercise; a dining area where we serve a three course lunch; a pamper zone where you can have a manicure or massage and a dedicated arts and crafts area where you can try your hand at watercolours, glass painting and ceramics.

In addition, we have an ever changing programme of short courses and guest speakers. Since we opened our doors in March we have run short courses on public speaking, creative writing, music appreciation and understanding the wonderful array of paintings on show in this country.

Regular features on our programme have been Jewish History, local history and conversational Yiddish; we are adding new topics all the time. With subjects as diverse as the Alexander Technique and contemporary floral art, we aim for a varied programme to keep everyone interested.

However, in between all this, we have a truly warm and inviting atmosphere, but as I said the best way to find out about Jewish Care's Connect @ Southgate is to come along!

For details contact Sharon Aboudara on 07810 558442 or email: saboudara@jcare.org

Friendship Club
The Oakwood Friendship Club meets in the Schindler Hall on Thursdays between 11.30am – 3.30pm. The annual subscription is £4.00 and weekly entrance fee is £1.00. A light lunch served at 11.30am is available at an additional cost of 60 pence. Afternoon tea is served at 2.30pm.
The function of the Club is to promote friendship and provide entertainment etc for men and women over the age of 60.

JACS
The Southgate branch of the Jewish Association of Cultural Societies meets every Wednesday 1.30 to 3pm in the Schindler Hall (at the rear of the Synagogue). All retired people are welcome to come and join us in a happy, friendly environment.

FIRST VISIT FREE

More members are needed so if you know of any non-member of this Synagogue who may be interested, please bring them along, or at least let them know. All of our entertainment programmes are advertised weekly in the Jewish Chronicle and Jewish News under Wednesday headings of JACS Southgate.
Tea, biscuits and cakes are served, always free of charge, at the conclusion of the entertainment.
From time to time we have various outings and luncheons which are announced in the hall, well in advance, wherever possible. For further information please contact Ivor Regal, 020 8440 3821. If he is unavailable, leave a message on his answer phone with your name and telephone number and he will call you back as soon as possible.

Our weekly indoor programme includes an invited guest, either a speaker or an entertainer (singer/musician). Outdoor, we periodically visit the theatre (matinee) places of interest, or day trips to seaside towns. National JACS arranges organised visits abroad.

JACS, having grown to 28 branches stretching over London and the Home Counties, is now organised into regions. Southgate is in the North London area group. All in all, JACS is moving with the times and continuing to provide its members with leisure and cultural events to suits all tastes.

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The Welfare Group is a band of dedicated members, who are friends of the community. Like all good friends, they are willing to help and support where they can.

A worry shared is a worry halved.

Please phone the Synagogue office if you, or any member you know, might need help or advice on welfare, health or community matters or need home or hospital visits.

Facilities for the Disabled
Ground floor facilities in both the Sanctuary and the Hall are excellent, with induction loops to amplify sound for anyone wearing a hearing aid, and easy wheelchair access. Large print copies of the weekly and High Holy Day prayer books are available.

We also provide:

• disabled parking spaces
• special toilet facilities
• a wheelchair on site

Guide dogs are welcome.

Illness
Our Rabbi and members of our active Welfare Committee regularly visit the sick in hospital and people who are ill at home. They can always be contacted via the Synagogue office for help and support.

In the Event of a Death
In the event of the death of a relative or friend, in the first instance contact our funeral director, MM Broad & Son, on 020 8441 6047.

Funerals
Burials are arranged through the Synagogue at the grounds in Edgwarebury Lane or at Cheshunt and cremations at Golders Green.

The Synagogue has appointed MM Broad & Sons as its funeral director and the company will make all arrangements at this sad time. In normal circumstances, the full cost of a member's funeral will be met by the Synagogue through its burial scheme, details of which can be obtained from the Synagogue office. Rabbi Howard will normally conduct funerals for Synagogue members.

Shivah Prayers
Although Rabbi Howard will conduct shivah prayers as far as possible, there are a number of lay readers who are able to lead prayers as needed. Contact Rabbi Howard in the first instance.

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The Religion School supports a different tzedakah project each term and the children are encouraged to take an active interest in the causes.

The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Projects help to raise money for children in Israel who otherwise would not be able to have a bar/bat mitzvah.

Money is also raised each year at the High Holy Days in support of a range of local, Jewish and Israeli charities. Fairtrade products are sold at the synagogue in support of the Making Poverty History campaign.

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