A North London-based Masorti group catering for the “shul allergic” is about to celebrate its first barmitzvah.

And with three more bnei mitzvah scheduled during the next 12 months, Havurah is finding a niche among those who have never previously been involved in community life. Or as Havurah’s founding rabbi Oliver Joseph puts it, people who might light Shabbat candles but were unlikely to set foot in a synagogue.

One of a number of Masorti initiatives to engage or maintain involvement in Jewish life, Havurah was established seven years ago.

Participation has increased through word of mouth and Rabbi Joseph — who serves the group on a one-day-a-week basis — says it attracts young families “as far south as Cricklewood and as far north as High Barnet”.

Monthly Shabbat gatherings offer “a sort of service” — a singalong for families and a short Torah reading followed by separate learning activities for adults and children.

More than 50 people attended Havurah’s last Shabbat and other get-togethers are held regularly at a variety of venues. “Most events involve food,” Rabbi Joseph reported. “We have a strong culinary capacity.”

Around a dozen families are now paying membership contributions and another 20 are involved on a regular or occasional basis. Rabbi Joseph estimates that 200 people have participated in at least one Havurah activity over the past six months.

In “welcoming in people from the periphery”, he believes the group is meeting a need in an innovative way while acknowledging: “We’re not the only show in town — other communities are being experimental.”

Rabbi Joseph is grateful for the support of the national Masorti movement and its shuls, pointing out that children from Havurah families attend the New North London Synagogue cheder.

And with the milestone of the upcoming barmitzvah of Dylan Tate, he feels his community’s “rollercoaster journey” is entering a new phase.

But having become more involved in Jewish life, would any members be tempted to join a traditional shul?

“Is it a feeder community or one that continues to develop? My sense is that none of our people are going anywhere in a hurry,” Rabbi Joseph maintained.

Elsewhere, Nina Fine, Masorti’s co-ordinator for graduates of its Noam youth organisation, is having conversations with dozens of young adults, both affiliated and unaffiliated, to ascertain what they want from Jewish life.

Based on the results, she is creating tailored activities, such as an event focusing on social action.

And Ohel Mo’ed is a flourishing North London “fully halachic egalitarian community” set up by Noam alumni in 2015.

It has grown to 100 active members and a wider community of 650-plus, holding weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services, monthly Shabbat services and festival celebrations.

Volunteer-run, it also offers teaching to anyone wanting to learn more about leading or participating in a service.