Bournemouth breakaway group change name

The breakaway group from Bournemouth Reform Synagogue has changed its name.

Originally known as the Southern Reform Community, it is now called the Southern Jewish Community.

“Our name has had to be changed to comply with a request from the Movement for Reform Judaism,” explained group member David Sheaf. “They felt that having ‘Reform’ in our name might lead people to think we are already affiliated. This we considered a reasonable request.” However, the group still hoped to affiliate to Reform.

Having been meeting in members’ homes, the SJC has secured a more permanent base — the community room at Dorset Fire Service’s Christchurch station — for its alternate weekly Friday evening and Shabbat morning services.