Liberal Judaism recognises Jewish tradition and seeks to preserve all that is good in the Judaism of the past.
SPS is a constituent of Liberal Judaism, the brand name of the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues. The
organisation was founded in 1902 by men and women committed to the ideal of a liberal philosophy in order to ensure
the continuity of Jewish faith, tradition, practice and ethics within a contemporary framework.
They worked unsparingly to re-instil Judaism in the hearts of Jews through services, public meetings, sermons, writings
and inspiring leadership. The movement they founded, the Jewish Religious union, was later renamed the Union of Liberal
& Progressive Synagogues, the ULPS and now known as Liberal Judaism.
There are now some thirty Liberal and Progressive Jewish congregations, both large and small, affilated to Liberal
Judaism in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
Jewish life embraces celebration and sorrow and many life cycle events are marked by particular ritual. At SPS we
celebrate the happy events and support members in difficult times.
Birth
We are always delighted to welcome new babies into our community and to share in the joy of the event with the family.
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Brit Milah
The circumcision of a baby boy symbolizes God's covenant with the Jewish people. A Brit Milah is normally
performed on the eighth day after the child's birth, even if it falls on Shabbat or a holiday. Postponements are
permitted, however, if the health of the child warrants. For information on securing the services of a registered Mohel,
please contact the Synagogue Office.
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Initiation of a Girl into the Covenant
All through our history, women have played their part in transmitting our heritage from generation to generation.
Baby girls are initiated into the covenant in a ceremony written specifically for the purpose and set out in our prayer
book. The purpose of the readings and prayers is to seek God's blessing and to pray for her future happiness.
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Baby Blessings
This ceremony, as an integral part of a Shabbat Service, enables parents to thank God for the safe delivery of their
child and allows members of our congregation to share this unrepeatable moment with grandparents, relatives and friends.
Many parents are anxious to find appropriate Hebrew equivalents for names, or to find out the meaning and English
equivalents of Yiddish or Hebrew names traditional in their family. Rabbi Howard is always glad to be of help.
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Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Translated literally, Bar/Bat Mitzvah means "son" (bar) or "daughter" (bat) "of the Commandments."
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah is according to our custom, the coming of age ceremony wherein boys and girls enter adulthood in
the Jewish community. Traditionally after their Benei Mitzvah, boys and girls can be counted in a Minyan, although
Liberal Judaism ascribes less importance to the purpose of a Minyan, and are personally responsible for religious obligations.
The essence of the ceremony is to recognize the Bar/Bat Mitzvah's new status by calling him or her up before the
Torah to recite the blessings and usually depending on the individual's ability also to recite part of the Torah portion
and to read the Haftarah for the week.
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Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah
For adults who, for whatever reason, were not Bar or Bat Mitzvah as part of a Synagogue service, or who,
in adulthood, wish to renew their individual commitment to Jewish tradition, we are pleased to assist them in
preparation for being called up before the congregation to read from the Torah.
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Kabbalat Torah
Recognising that Bar Mitzvah, although significant, does not, in modern society, mark a child's becoming an adult,
the ceremony of Kabbalat Torah at age 15 allows girls and boys to affirm their commitment to Judaism as a
consequence of a personal decision.
Kabbalat Torah is a firmly established religious observance in the Liberal Jewish movement. It was introduced because
the founders of Liberal Judaism felt that at the age of 13 students were too young to declare a commitment to the
community and to end their formal education. At the age of 15 it is felt that they are able to have a more mature
understanding of Jewish values.
At SPS the programme leading to Kabbalat Torah covers a two year period. At the age of 14 students attend the
Yachdav class on a Sunday morning where, for two terms, they take part in lively discussions
on modern day Judaism. The third term and during the following year, we offer a course leading to Religious Studies GCSE. Students then will
return to the School to write a Shabbat morning service that
they will lead and at which they will receive their Kabbalat Torah certificates. This is usually held on the Shabbat during Sukkot
We are fortunate that many of our post Kabbalat Torah students come back to the Religion School to become class
helpers, and later a number choose to become teachers.
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Adult Kabbalat Torah
In recent years, adult members who wish to learn more of their heritage and culture undertake a course of
education at the end of which they, as their younger counterparts, will create and lead a Shabbat service.
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Proselyte Admission Ceremonies
The path towards conversion to Judaism is one requiring substantial commitment.
The course, usually lasting at least fifteen months, is administered and validated by the Union of Liberal and
Progressive Synagogues, but taught locally. It involves learning the beliefs and practices of Judaism and Hebrew.
At its conclusion, a short ceremony is usually conducted at which the individual is confirmed as a Jew and as a member of our
Synagogue in the presence of, normally, the person's teacher and Rabbi Howard.
The ceremony can be a part of a Shabbat service or conducted privately as the individual prefers.
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Aufruf
The Aufruf refers to the calling up of the bride and groom to the Torah on the Shabbat before the wedding.
The Aufruf is an opportunity for the community to publicly recognise, congratulate, and share in the joy of the
wedding to come.
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Weddings
Our Synagogue offers beautiful surroundings for this happy day.
The 'chuppah' or the wedding canopy is the most universally recognized symbol of a Jewish wedding and often lends
its name to the entire ceremony.
At SPS, Rabbi Howard is pleased to marry members of the Synagogue. For arrangements, please contact the Synagogue's
Marriage Secretary through the Synagogue office.
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Celebratory Kiddushim (Birthdays And Wedding Anniversaries)
SPS is always happy to celebrate. Anyone who wishes to mark a particular birthday or anniversary can do so after a
Shabbat service. More information can be found through the Synagogue office.
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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 and 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.
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Shivah Prayers
Although Rabbi Howard will conduct as far as possible, shivah prayers, 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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Consecration Of A Tombstone (Stone Settings)
Traditionally the stone to mark the final resting place of a loved one is set after a lapse of about one year. Arrangements
for the consecration are made with Rabbi Howard.
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Yahrzeit
We will remind you of the dates of your yahrzeits if you inform the Synagogue Office appropriately. In all circumstances,
Rabbi Howard is available for confidential advice and discussion.
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