Welcome to our shul! This week – Kenton Synagogue
Synagogue
Kenton Synagogue
When was the shul founded?
It was established in 1948 and was a dream come true for young families wishing to find an idyllic suburban home after the gloomy period of the Second World War. The suburb of Kenton was perfect. There was the new Metropolitan Line to central London (now with direct connection to the Jubilee Line) and also the Bakerloo and the overground Watford DC lines. Kenton, lying between Wembley (Stadium and shopping outlet), Harrow and Brent Cross, is a pretty district, full of parks (the shul sits in one of them), avenues of trees and green verges. There are houses to suit all budgets.
What does the shul offer young families?
The shul boasts Sinai and JFS schools in the area and a youth centre opposite – ideal for learning and social activities. The synagogue has a history of eminent ministers, chazans and choirs and we have Rabbi Yehuda Black who, with his young family, has been here for nearly 11 years. The shul has always been innovative, introducing many new customs – for example, the Shabbat Kodesh programme and the bat chayil ceremony. Guest speakers are frequent, including excellent ones through our membership of We Believe in Israel, and also on educational and other relevant topics.
Share one interesting fact about the synagogue we may not know?
Committees flourish – the Ladies’ Guild, with its years of organising kiddushim and other functions; Kenton Away Days three times a year – coach trips to pretty and interesting places (such as an in-house Victorian Music Hall evening with fish and chips and beer); a vibrant social committee continuously plans for chaggim and other special events, which are widely enjoyed and admired. We host Israeli war veterans, have Care in Kenton looking after our members, a book club, bridge club, music group and an opportunity to join the local U3A. We have the history, the geography and a well-planned future.
Shul website www.kentonsynagogue.org
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