St Albans Masorti Synagogue opened the doors to its first permanent home, 21 years after the congregation’s establishment.
Many of the 200 members attended the first Shabbat services in the new premises — a former industrial unit just south of the city centre.
Minister Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth opened the Friday night service by “welcoming” the Torah scrolls to the shul. The celebratory atmosphere continued with a batmitzvah on Shabbat morning and a tea for new members the following day.
Co-chair Paul Hoffbrand told congregants: “Tonight has been the culmination of dedicated hard work by members of our building steering group, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the building was completed on time and within budget.”
Although the structural building work is complete, interior elements have to be finished, such as the decoration of the upper floor, which will house classrooms and meeting rooms.
It is intended that the shul will also be the hub for social and educational activities.
The cheder, Noam youth and a toddlers’ group will start to use it in the coming weeks.