West Ealing’s Ealing Liberal Synagogue has held a special Shabbat (Saturday) morning service to celebrate 80 years since its foundation in 1943.
Local dignitaries including the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Mohindra Midha and her consort, Harbinda Midha attended along with a number of others including local MPs, Dr Rupa Huq for Ealing Central and Acton and James Murray for Ealing North.
The special Saturday service also saw councillors for the Pitshanger ward attending – Councillor Rima Baaklini, Councillor Ilayda Nijhar and Councillor Ben Wesson.
Proceedings for the service were led by the current Rabbi, Dr Miri Lawrence along with the chief executive officer of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Charley Baginsky. Previous Rabbi, Indigo Raphael who led the Liberal community from the late 1990s to 2004 also took part in the service while student Rabbi Rafe Thurstance, spoke on behalf of former Rabbi, Janet Burden.
President of Ealing Liberal Synagogue William Glassman spoke of the community’s contribution to Ealing over the years and joined with others in looking forward to the next 80 years.
Following the service a special Shabbat kiddush (blessing made before drinking wine) was held along with a Champagne reception and lunch for synagogue members and guests.
Speak to EALING.NEWS, Rabbi Dr Miri Lawrence said: “Our 80th anniversary service last Saturday encapsulated the spirit of Ealing Liberal Synagogue. It was a day full of warmth, love and friendship which demonstrated the whole congregation’s commitment to our community and Jewish heritage.”
Ealing Council cabinet member for tackling inequality, Councillor Aysha Raza said in a tweet: “Lovely to celebrate 80 years of the Ealing Liberal Synagogue being part of our Ealing community with everyone this morning.”
Also attending was Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason who tweeted: “A wonderful Saturday shacharit service spent with the delightful Ealing Liberal Synagogue community celebrating their 80th year.”
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