With a family involvement in the synagogue stretching back more than 50 years, Mr Gradus is determined to keep it going. “My father was the president here and I’m staying put.”
The community is able to survive as it owns its building. Membership fees cover the fuel bills.
Four miles away in Ramsgate, Thanet and District Reform Synagogue is maintaining services, whose attendees are drawn from a wider area, including Canterbury.
“We managed to get between 30 to 40 people for the High Holy-Days,” reported Ian Smiler, the chairman. “We have a full programme of services in the week and our own rabbi.
“We have students that come and a membership of 50 to 60. It is a shame there is not a big enough community for the other shul. Members would be more than welcome to come here.”
