Woodside_park Synagogue

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SPOTLIGHT:Woodside Park Synagogue
By Gary Simon, Chairman of Woodside Park United Synagogue

Woodside Park United Synagogue is one of the fastest growing communities in the United Synagogue with nearly 1,400 adult members and 642 young members under the age of 25.

Situated on the edge of the Green Belt and within easy reach of Jewish schools, shops and public transport it remains a very desirable place to live and under the inspired leadership of Rabbi Hackenbroch and his wife Gila, it is a magnet for young married couples looking for a very active shul in which to bring up children. The shul is proud of its outstanding nursery 'Yaveneh' and its forward looking cheder attended by around 100 children. There is even a successful grandma and tots group.

Shabbat childrens' and toddlers services are packed to capacity and there are simchas virtually every other weekend. But the shul also cherishes its older members and senior citizens and in addition to their clubs we actively encourage cross communal events in which everyone can participate. For example, a recent special learning Shabbat featuring Rabbi Y Y Rubinstein as a visiting speaker, started with a Friday night dinner and talk, followed by a drosha in shul on Shabbat, a communal Shabbat lunch and culminated in a communal seuda. There was something for everyone and in total almost 300 members came together to enjoy Shabbat as a community and learn something on the way.

You see what makes Woodside Park Synagogue special is that it is big enough to be self-sufficient yet small enough that nobody is left out. With an Eruv on the way, more affordable housing in Finchley and a new housing development just over a mile away from the shul in Frith Lane, future growth seems assured.

We feel very blessed. We have a wonderful Rabbi and Rebbetzen who simply throw open their home to the community and give freely of their time. Working alongside them we have a dedicated team of volunteers supporting both young and old, be it 'Woodside Park Cares' our support network, our famous Youth learning squads, our Guiding and Scout leaders or our Young Families committee. From A to Z, Anim Zemirot Squad to Zumba dancing, we have it covered .

On 26th March we have Schlock Rock , possibly the greatest ever Jewish rock band giving a concert for our youth and young families in the shul. Woodside Park truly rocks!!

From more information on Woodside Park United Synaogogue please visit www.woodsidepark.theus.org.uk