The Jewish communities of Harlow and Chelmsford have merged to form the new Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community (HCJC), creating an open, caring and growing synagogue for Essex and East Hertfordshire.
The new congregation will have a membership of more than 300 adults/families and will be led spiritually by Rabbi Irit Shillor. It will affiliate to The Movement for Progressive Judaism.
HCJC will serve a number of areas with members already coming from Harlow, Epping, Bishop’s Stortford, Chelmsford, Braintree, Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Maldon and their surroundings. It offers a well-located synagogue building, hybrid services, popular rabbi, thriving cheder, pastoral care, membership of the Jewish Joint Burial Society and inclusive practice, including a welcome of mixed-faith couples and families.
The history of Harlow Jewish Community stretches back to its formation in 1952, just a few years after Harlow was designated a New Town, and it has been a thriving presence ever since. It has been affiliated to Reform/Progressive Judaism since 1960.
Chelmsford Jewish Community was established in 1974 and has played a key role in religious life in the city for 50+ years. It was not previously affiliated to any movement.
Shabbat and festival services will be held both online and in the synagogue building, based in central Harlow. The synagogue was extended in 1998 and redeveloped in 2009. The merger will allow further renovation.
Popular events in Chelmsford – including an annual festival celebration at the Essex County Cricket Ground, family summer garden party, and civic Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration – will also continue.
This year, a first night communal Seder will take place in Chelmsford with a second in Harlow. A celebratory ‘get to know you’ event is being planned for the spring/summer.
Jon Kaye, Chair of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community and previously Harlow Jewish Community, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that after a year of friendly discussions, we have combined these two Essex communities which comprise members from this county and the eastern side of Hertfordshire.
“From the very beginning, everyone continued to be enthusiastic about coming to an arrangement where we could provide a synagogue, a rabbi, cheder, services and social occasions for the combined community without restricting local events close to where members live.”
Stan Keller, Chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and now Vice President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “With a combined history of over 125 years, the Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community builds on very strong foundations and relationships.
“This new community will pride itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its members, and a high level of engagement with local civic society and other faith groups.”
As a Progressive synagogue, Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community will welcome all Jews, as well as non-Jewish partners and family members. Services are conducted in Hebrew and English and made as accessible as possible, with everyone sitting together. There is a popular cheder and B’ Mitzvah programme for young people, and conversion pathways for adults looking to become Jewish.
Cheryl Petar, President of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “We welcome every person and family that wants to join us on their and our Jewish journey, regardless of background, religious practice and Jewish knowledge.”
As well as a landmark moment for the two communities, this is also a milestone in the early history of The Movement for Progressive Judaism (MPJ), which formed in January through the merger of Liberal and Reform Judaism.
MPJ Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “The Harlow and Chelmsford communities have come from different backgrounds, but share the same passion for welcoming and including all those who want to be part of Jewish life – while engaging with neighbours of other faiths and backgrounds through interfaith and social action work. We are delighted that they have now come together as our newest Progressive community.”
