Cranbrook United Synagogue

By Belinda Keller

CRANBROOK United Synagogue is a special shul for so many people of every generation – warm, welcoming and a place of magical memories. And over the past years it has gone from strength to strength.

How it all began

Founded in 1936, the shul moved to its current location in Beehive Lane more than 40 years ago. An impressive building with stunning stained-glass windows and a beautiful main interior, the shul proudly became known as Cranbrook United Synagogue in 2019.

The new executive and council

A new executive and council, elected in Spring 2022 and led by Bernard Berman, has big plans for Cranbrook United. An ambitious fundraising campaign is underway to modernise key areas within the shul, making it even more welcoming for members and the wider community. The project has already started, with the newly refurbished washrooms being met with rave reviews from shul-goers. More exciting plans are on the horizon for other areas of the building to improve the experience for the community.

Something for everyone

Cranbrook United is lucky enough to be part of a community of all ages. Attendance at services continues to grow and it’s always special when children sing Adon Olam at the close of Shabbat.

But even more than this, the synagogue works hard to offer something for everyone in the community – with a wide range of events and activities taking place throughout the year.

Events have ranged from a unique ‘meet the executive’ brunch to the return of the popular annual quiz, with 160 people joining quizmaster Michael Finger for a challenging general knowledge contest.

Sukkot this year was a great example of activities that appeal to the whole congregation. An early start one Sunday morning to decorate the sukkah attracted families and members of all ages. They then returned for the Pizza in the Sukkah event, where magician Sacha Johnstone entertained a full venue of members while a pizza truck kept everyone fed.

A refreshed weekly children’s service led by Ashleigh Stern is appealing to kids of all ages and continuing to grow. Plus the monthly over 8s kids service on the first Shabbat of each month has received some excellent feedback from the older kids and their families.

Festivals are made extra fun for children in shul. As well receiving a blessing under the tallis for Simchat Torah, the children were joined by entertainer Mr Happy for a magic show.

And it’s not just live events that the community love. The shul has a very popular fantasy football league running right now. As well as a little light competition between friends, those taking part have a chance to scoop the top £50 prize and get involved in football banter on the Cranbrook United WhatsApp fantasy football group chat.

What’s coming up

Chanukah is very nearly here and there’s no sign of slowing down for Cranbrook United.

Primary aged kids are invited to come along on Sunday 18 December to the annual Kids Chanukah Disco – this year featuring a fabulous glitter tattoo bar and photobooth as well as DJ, doughnuts and Chanukah candle-lighting. For more information, please contact the shul.

On Wednesday 21 December, Cranbrook United is hosting a Chanukah & Music by Candlelight evening with doughnuts and coffee.

Not forgetting the Monday Club – back by popular demand and on every week at the shul for the community to enjoy conversation, games, lunch, quizzes and more. It’s the perfect place for a catch up with friends over a friendly game of kalooki.

More exciting events are planned for next year.

Making an impact

With such a great history, it’s clear to see that Cranbrook United Synagogue remains a pivotal part of the Essex community – especially as we emerge from lockdown restrictions.

Chair Bernard Berman said: “Cranbrook United has worked hard to welcome our community back into shul – not only for our Shabbat services, but for events from quizzes to challah bakes, and from festival celebrations to kids’ activities.

“We’re fundraising to enhance the shul facilities and make it even more welcoming for our community. But don’t just take our word for it. Come and see for yourself!”