After a “year of uncertainty”, congregants of the troubled South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue (Swesrs) have rejected a suggestion that the shul should relocate from Newbury Park.
The synagogue has experienced financial problems following the decision of Norwood to close the centre it ran from rented premises on the Swesrs site. Last month, the JC reported that nine lay leaders had resigned en masse, citing “deep divisions” within the congregation.
Around 180 of the 1,000-strong congregation packed the synagogue’s function hall on Sunday to discuss the shul’s future direction — and specifically, ways to attract young families.
When relocation was mooted, “almost three-quarters” of attendees expressed a desire to stay put.
