By an Act of Parliament, the United Synagogue was established in 1870 after five Orthodox congregations in central London decided: “We are stronger together”.
As the US prepares to celebrate its 150th anniversary, US president Michael Goldstein reflects that today, “we still operate on the same principle and there are some 60 communities and growing”.
Although the majority are concentrated in Greater London, Birmingham Central and Sheffield are among congregations which have recently joined the US fold and other regional shuls are exploring the possibility of following suit.
Mr Goldstein notes that “there are very few organisations — never mind Jewish ones – which reach such a significant milestone and I acknowledge the foresight of our forebears and the leaders before me who worked so hard to ensure we would have a strong and proud Jewish community today”. Taking the US forward “is a responsibility which I feel keenly”.
He sees the anniversary as a way of not only acknowledging past achievements but “ensuring a golden future”.
To this end, a “£150 for 150” offer will be available to new members for their first year of fees.
The organisation will also be launching Humans of the US (www.theus.org.uk/humans). Inspired by the popular Humans of New York Facebook group, it will invite people to share their United Synagogue story — perhaps the shul their parents belonged to, childhood memories of a rabbi and community, or a story about their current synagogue.
It wants to build a collection of personal reminiscences and photos showing how the US has been part of family life.
All US shuls will also be invited to participate in Shabbat 150 on a Shabbat of their choice in June or July (the actual anniversary date is July 14), for which the central organisation will provide a range of commemorative items. A gala dinner at “a historic venue” is planned for July and the annual US women’s dinner will also have a 150th theme.
The next generation of members will be involved by burying time capsules at Jewish schools. Pupils will be asked to select items which demonstrate what being a “United Synagogue Jew” means to them. The idea is that the capsules will be dug up in 2370 — 150 years later.
Other events during the year will include a family fun day organised by Tribe, the US’s youth arm, in May.
Spring will also see the grand opening of Willesden Jewish Cemetery’s Lottery-funded House of Life project, creating greater public access and engaging new visitors with the stories of people buried there since Victorian times. A new lodge will house a permanent exhibition and regular tours will be provided for visitors from all backgrounds.
And the 150th programme kicks off in January with the US’s Siyum Hashas, an event which comes around every seven-and-a-half years.
To mark the end of the current Daf Yomi Talmud cycle, there will food, music and dancing at Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue in the presence of the Chief Rabbi and other leading lights.
