Southend and District Reform Synagogue marked 80 years with a Shabbat service attended by both Southend MPs and the council leader. It was founded in 1946.

Southend and District Reform Synagogue has celebrated its 80th anniversary with a special Shabbat service, held on the same date the community was founded in 1946, with both of Southend’s MPs and the leader of the council among the guests.

The synagogue, known as SDRS, told Southend Today the service “brought together members, civic leaders and guests from across the Jewish community to mark eight decades of Progressive Jewish life in Southend”.

Who joined the congregation

Among those attending, the synagogue said, were:

  • Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East
  • David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West
  • Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend Council
  • Councillor Donna Richardson
  • representatives from the police, the Jewish Joint Burial Society, Jewish Care and other Progressive synagogues

The service

The Shabbat morning service was led by Rabbi Warren Elf MBE, who has worked with the community since 2001. The sermon was given by Rabbi Josh Levy, Co-Lead of the Movement for Progressive Judaism.

Rabbi Warren said:

“It was a pleasure to lead our 80th anniversary Shabbat morning service, which was a true celebration.”

Eighty years of Progressive Judaism in Southend

The congregation dates from 1946 and today meets at 851 London Road, Westcliff-on-Sea. It is a registered charity, number 237616 on the Charity Commission register, and details of its services and community life are on the synagogue’s own website.

What it means for you

Anyone who wants to find out about services, joining or events at the synagogue can contact it through southendreform.org.uk.

If your community group, faith group or club is marking an anniversary, send us your news.