Community
Smaller is beautiful as Mersey congregation looks to revamp
Childwall discusses deal to build a modern shul alongside a commercial development on its site
August 3, 2018 13:49
By, Barry Toberman
1 min read
Childwall discusses deal to build a modern shul alongside a commercial development on its site
August 3, 2018 13:49ByBarry Toberman, Barry Toberman
Liverpool’s Childwall Synagogue is in final negotiations over a redevelopment of its site, incorporating a modern, smaller shul more suitable for the size of the declining community.
Childwall chair Syd Edels told the JC this week that discussions with a developer over the building’s future had been going on for two years. The plan is for a commercial development on around two thirds of the site in return for a “fit for purpose shul” on the remainder.
A major obstacle has been the release of covenant, enabling a change of use of the land. Originally, the shul was told this would require a prohibitive outlay of £240,000 plus costs. But agreement was recently reached for £8,000 plus costs, which Mr Edels described as a major step forward.
The current building is way too large for the needs of the 350 adult members, more than 50 of whom live outside the city. A number are on concessionary rates — “being a shul, it is important they stay involved.
“We are seeing a slow decline. We get 80 to 100 people on Shabbat. But the shul seats 450 [there is also a cavernous hall]. To enhance the ruach, we’ve brought the ladies downstairs.”
Mr Edels believed “the brightness of the new shul will attract the middle-aged group who don’t come any more”.
It would offer a cosier environment with around 125 seats and a communal space, which could be opened up to accommodate greater numbers for festival services — “families come back at Yomtov”.
He hopes to be in a position to put the proposals to congregants before the end of the year.
Childwall has also been in discussions about affiliating to the United Synagogue.
“The principal issue is that the US would guarantee us rabbinical support in future provided we maintain at least a minyan for services,” Mr Edels said.
“Technically, we would become a branch office of the US, so there is a significant loss of independence. But it is a quid pro quo.”
In a statement, United Synagogue president Michael Goldstein expressed delight “that we will hopefully soon be welcoming Childwall Hebrew Congregation to the US. There are a number of hurdles to clear with their redevelopment project but we wish the community success in reaching completion and will be offering them our support.
“Having welcomed the Sheffield and Birmingham Central communities to the US in recent years, we are always happy to speak to shuls to explore how we might add value.”
Again, the move would need the support of Childwall members at an EGM.
