Another merger between Orthodox synagogues in the Redbridge area is in the offing.

Leaders of the Ilford and Redbridge United shuls have written to their members to further a consultation process on the establishment of a new US congregation. Redbridge United was itself the product of a merger between the Clayhall and Newbury Park synagogues.

The letter from the Ilford and Redbridge chairmen, respectively Malcolm Nathan and Mike Callaghan, reports that the two executives have been in discussion over the future of the shuls.

“We asked for the assistance of the US community services department and together we have developed a community plan which we think is viable, financially sound and provides significant benefit for both communities.”

The proposal is that Ilford’s Beehive Lane premises will be the home of the new and renamed community and, as part of the merger, “an element of modern refurbishment” will enhance facilities.

“We will be recruiting a senior rabbi/rabbinic couple, as well as retaining the services of Reverend [Gary] Newman as the community welfare minister and we will ensure that the administrative team is appropriate for a community of some 2,000 members.”

As membership fees for the two shuls are not identical, the suggestion is that those paying Ilford’s top subscription rate will have their contributions reduced in 2020 to match the top rate at Redbridge.

Separate open meetings for members of both communities will be held at the end of the month at which the proposals will be outlined in detail.

This will be followed by separate special general meetings in late November. If the majority are in favour of the plans, the US Council will vote to ratify the merger and creation of the new congregation. The hope is that the merged community will come into being next spring.

As the Redbridge Jewish community has dwindled, Wanstead and Woodford United Synagogue and Waltham Forest Hebrew Congregation also merged to create Woodford Forest United Synagogue. Within the Progressive movement, the Woodford Liberal and Bet Tikvah congregations amalgamated to form East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue.