Plans – described as “transformative” - have been submitted to demolish and rebuild Bushey United Synagogue in an attempt to accommodate the area’s thriving Jewish community.
The decades-old buildings have “become too small for the growing community”, say planning documents, which now envision a bigger and better synagogue for the Bushey congregation.
Developers, in discussion with Hertsmere Borough Council since 2022, decided that an entirely new build could consolidate the Orthodox synagogue’s existing features and create a more cohesive design.
“There is no more sacred a task nor anything more rewarding than building kehillah—community,” said Rabbi Elchonon Feldman. “This is the eternal call to each generation: will you partner with the Divine to create a Jewish future? In Bushey, we have answered with a resounding ‘Yes’.”
Bushey United Synagogue was purpose-built for the local Jewish community in the 1980s, according to the shul’s website. Its first major refurbishment took place in 2010.
The application stated the proposals were “developed in close collaboration with the community, responding to their brief and requirements for a new building that provides a secure and welcoming home to all members of the community”.
It continued: "The community has been long established in Bushey on this site. While it will be like a new start with a fresh building, the established links within the neighbourhood make this proposal very desirable."
The proposed facilities will be a modern, two-storey synagogue building equipped with a nursery and 15 on-site parking spaces, two of which will be accessible . In addition, a small two-storey space will house a mikveh (ritual bath) and visitor’s accommodation.
“This building will be transformative for our thriving community of over 2,500 people,” said Paul Belsman, chairman of the synagogue, in the application. “Together we can build a home that reflects our strength and secures Jewish life here for generations.”
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