Ilford Federation Synagogue has held its first service in its new Beehive Lane premises.

Forty people attended the Friday-night service in the former Dennis Centre, acquired from Jewish Care.
The intention is to move permanently by the summer on completion of building work.

Until then, Friday and Saturday evening services will be held in Beehive Lane and Shabbat morning and other services at Ilford Federation’s Coventry Road site.

“This is a very exciting moment, not just in the history of this community, but in its future,” said Rabbi Alex Chapper. “The first service has proved that we’re able to transplant the tremendous communal spirit at Coventry Road into a new facility.” Shul chair Leon Newmark said the inaugural service was “the culmination of many years of planning and hard work”.