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OUR HISTORY
Nearly 90 years of community, still being written.
From a handful of East End families settling in Chingford, to a Shul that has hosted two Chief Rabbis — here's how we got here.
1930s
Roots in migration
Jewish families migrate from London's East End out to the suburbs. In Chingford, the growing local community resolves to build a synagogue of its own.
The war years
A community tested
Wartime naturally takes its toll — membership falls to around 120 as families are displaced.
1949
Building Fund Committee formed
With growth outstripping the building, a Building Fund Committee is set up to raise funds for a new classroom block and communal centre — on a plot of land secured through the good offices of Dr H. Blair
and Mr P. Stitcher.
7 June 1953
Classrooms consecrated
A large gathering witnesses the consecration and opening of the new classrooms, performed by Dayan Dr M. Lee, B.A. and Mr S. Romer, in the presence of many distinguished civic and religious leaders.
1968
The hall is built
A new hall rises beside the Synagogue and the classrooms move behind the main building. It becomes a major asset to the community — home to weekly kiddushim (many sponsored by members to mark important occasions), barmitzvahs, batmitzvahs, weddings and anniversary celebrations, shows, quizzes, concerts, lectures, and even table tennis. Most importantly, it's where the community gathers for Chanukah parties, Seder nights and other religious festivals.
March 2013
Joining the United Synagogue
The Shul changes status from an affiliated community to a full constituent member of the United Synagogue.
Today
A new generation
Membership has declined in recent years due to demographic change — but we're now seeing an upturn in numbers, with new families and children once again joining the community.
1937
The Shul opens
Highams Park & Chingford Synagogue opens its doors, beginning two decades of rapid growth for the young community.
Post-war years
Rebuilding, and then some
Former members return and new families keep arriving, taking membership past 300 — building the case to expand the Shul.
March 1953
Foundation stones laid
The vision and unremitting endeavours of Mr M. Rosenberg, Mr H. Greenfield and Dr H. Blair, together with a hard-working committee, raise the required sum in short order. The foundation and cornerstones of the new classroom block are laid at an impressive ceremony.
The 1960s
400 families strong
Membership tops 400 families and the Shul becomes the fulcrum of local Jewish life, creating a community that is incredibly close-knit. A large Chedar teaches up to 100 children, alongside thriving committees, clubs, a parents' association, afternoon gatherings, JACS and AJEX — a community that is charitable, enthusiastic, supportive and caring for their Shul.
November 2007
A visit from the Chief Rabbi
We are honoured by a visit from Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks, who joins us in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Shul's foundation.
2017
80th anniversary
We are overjoyed to welcome Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis as guest of honour as the community celebrates 80 years since its founding.
2027
Looking ahead: 90 years
We're looking forward to celebrating nine decades of community — and writing the next chapter together.
NAMES IN OUR HISTORY
People who built and shaped our Shul.
A community's history is made of names as much as dates. So that nobody is left out of the story:
Land, 1949
Dr H. Blair
Secured the plot for the new classroom block and communal centre; later a driving force behind the 1953 building fund.
Land, 1949
Mr P. Stitcher
Secured the plot for the new classroom block and communal centre.
Building Fund, 1949–53
Mr M. Rosenberg
Led the vision and fundraising drive that made the 1953 building possible.
Building Fund, 1949–53
Mr H. Greenfield
Led the vision and fundraising drive that made the 1953 building possible.
Consecration, June 1953
Dayan Dr M. Lee, B.A.
Performed the consecration and opening of the new classrooms.
Consecration, June 1953
Mr S. Romer
Performed the consecration and opening of the new classrooms.
70th anniversary, 2007
Sir Jonathan Sacks
Chief Rabbi; visited to celebrate our 70th anniversary.
80th anniversary, 2017
Sir Ephraim Mirvis
Chief Rabbi; guest of honour for our 80th anniversary.
“Built by names, sustained by a community — and still being written.”
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