About Us

At the heart of Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) are a set of core values that shape our community, our practice, and our vision for the future. These values guide how we behave and inform our decision making. They reflect our commitment to Progressive Judaism and our desire to create a vibrant, inclusive, and spiritually enriching environment for all.

1. Inclusivity and Belonging

 הִנֵּה מַה טוֹב וּמַה נָּעִים שֶׁבֶת אָחִים גַּם יַחַד
Hinei mah tov u’mah na’im shevet achim gam yachad (Ps 130)
How good and how pleasant it is when we dwell together
FRS is an egalitarian, progressive, Anglo-Jewish community: We believe that our community is enriched by the wisdom, energy, and contributions of all its members, and welcome everyone with warmth and openness. We believe that community should always be a place where people of all backgrounds, identities, and life journeys feel seen, valued, and supported. We value every generation, from the youngest to the oldest, and believe that all have something to offer.               

2. Joy and Celebration
   וּבָחַרְתָּ בַּחַיִּים

Uvacharta BaChayyim (Deut 30:19)
“Choose Life”
We believe in the power of joy to uplift, connect, and strengthen our resolve to choose life in the face of a challenging world. Through music, learning, ritual, festivals, and shared experiences, we bring light and laughter into our community life.

3. Innovation and Creativity
   חַדֵּשׁ יָמֵינוּ כְּקֶדֶם

Chadeish yameinu k’kedem (Lam 5:21)
Renew our days as in the past
We are committed to trying new things and pushing boundaries. Whether through imaginative services, pioneering programmes, or bold responses to contemporary challenges, we lead with creativity and courage

4. Connection to Israel and the Wider Jewish People
   לְעׇבְדָהּ וּלְשׇׁמְרָהּ

L’ovda u’l’shmomra (Gen 2:15)
God put humans on the earth to “till it and to tend it”
We are a Progressive Zionist community who believe in the centrality of Israel to the Jewish people.  We uphold the importance of a Jewish state, rooted in Jewish and universal values, and we advocate for its democratic and pluralistic nature. We believe in nurturing a strong and thoughtful connection to Israel, and to the wider global Jewish people, with whom we share a diverse culture, history and future.  

5. Social Responsibility and Justice
   צֶדֶק צֶדֶק תִּרְדֹּף

Tzedek tzedek tirdof (Deut 16:20)
Justice, justice, you shall pursue
Rooted in the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), we strive to use our collective power and determination to help create “the world as it could be”. We believe in engaging actively with the wider non-Jewish world, aspiring to build relationships with people of all faiths and none. We take action to support those in need and stand up for justice, equality, democracy, and human dignity.  We challenge ourselves to act sustainably and ethically, recognising our responsibility to future generations and the planet.

6. Leadership and Vision
   בְּאֵין חָזוֹן יִפָּרַע עָם

B’ein chazon yipara am (Proverbs 29:18)
Without a vision people are let lose
We strive to be a beacon of Progressive Judaism in the UK, encouraging every member to be part of shaping its future with purpose. Our leadership - both lay and professional - embodies our values and inspires others through knowledge, empathy, and action.

7. Lifelong Learning and Spiritual Growth 
   וְשִׁנַּנְתָּם לְבָנֶיךָ
   V’shinantam l’vanecha (Deut 6:7)

And you shall teach this to your children
We believe in the importance of learning as one of the cornerstones to living Jewishly, and we nurture a love of learning across all ages. We offer opportunities for every age group to explore and engage with Jewish texts, traditions, culture, and spirituality in ways that are meaningful and relevant.

8. Caring and Compassionate
   עוֹלָם חֶסֶד יִבָּנֶה

Olam chesed yibaneh (Psalm 89:3)
I will build this world from love
We believe in the importance of accompanying one-another through life’s joys and challenges. Our Chesed (loving-kindness) initiatives and pastoral care reflect our deep commitment to ensure that every member of our community finds the appropriate emotional and practical support.

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