Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue
Encyclopedia
Brighton and Hove Reform Synagogue is a synagogue
in Hove
.
The first rabbi to serve the community was Rabbi Rosenblum who developed a style of prayer which combined a sense of tradition with mixed seating and inclusion of English beside a mainly Hebrew rendering of the service.
The synagogue is a member of the Movement for Reform Judaism
.
All the Festivals are celebrated. Special Children's services are also held for most of the festivals.
Each year over a thousand pupils come from local schools to learn some basic knowledge about Judaism. The children are shown Jewish artifacts and are taught about the traditions and rituals.
Synagogue
A synagogue is a Jewish house of prayer. This use of the Greek term synagogue originates in the Septuagint where it sometimes translates the Hebrew word for assembly, kahal...
in Hove
Hove
Hove is a town on the south coast of England, immediately to the west of its larger neighbour Brighton, with which it forms the unitary authority Brighton and Hove. It forms a single conurbation together with Brighton and some smaller towns and villages running along the coast...
.
History and Affiliation
The community was founded in 1955 with temporary accommodation and the synagogue was dedicated in 1967 to serve a rapidly growing community. The 400-capacity building was designed by Derek Sharp. A plaque indicates that the foundation stone was laid on 17 July 1966, or in the Hebrew calendar, 29 Tammuz 5726. It become the largest congregation in Brighton and Hove and one of the larger ones in the Reform Movement.The first rabbi to serve the community was Rabbi Rosenblum who developed a style of prayer which combined a sense of tradition with mixed seating and inclusion of English beside a mainly Hebrew rendering of the service.
The synagogue is a member of the Movement for Reform Judaism
Movement for Reform Judaism
Movement for Reform Judaism is the main organizational body of the Jewish Reform community in Great Britain....
.
Rabbi
Rabbi Charles Wallach was born in South Africa. After graduating with a degree majoring in Hebrew and Biblical studies he went to Leo Baeck College, receiving his semicha in 1975. In his career of over 30 years he has served communities in South Africa, Australia, and Israel as well as in Britain. For over a decade he was Rabbi of the Progressive Synagogue in Brighton and Hove. He has chaired rabbinic associations in Britain and South Africa, served as Executive Director of the Reform Movement in South Africa and held office in communal organisations in Britain, South Africa and Australia.Services
Weekly Shabbat services are held on Friday night and Saturday morning.All the Festivals are celebrated. Special Children's services are also held for most of the festivals.
Community
The synagogue runs a very active Social and Welfare department with exercise classes for older members, a book club and members teas. There is a lunch and discussion group, regular adult education classes including Hebrew classes and a cheder (religion school) for children).Each year over a thousand pupils come from local schools to learn some basic knowledge about Judaism. The children are shown Jewish artifacts and are taught about the traditions and rituals.