Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish communities merge

Two more Jewish communities have formally merged, creating a new Progressive congregation with more than 300 adult members and families.

The newly named Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community (HCJC) brings together the long-established Harlow Jewish Community and Chelmsford Jewish Community, following a year of discussions. It is the second such announcement from the Progressive movement in a week.

HCJC will be led by Rabbi Irit Shillor and serve members across a wide geographic area, including Harlow, Epping, Bishop’s Stortford, Chelmsford, Braintree, Dunmow, Saffron Walden and Maldon.

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Shabbat and festival services will take place both online and in the synagogue building in central Harlow, which was built in 1977, extended in 1998 and redeveloped in 2009. The merger is expected to enable further renovation. Events traditionally held in Chelmsford, including an annual festival celebration at the Essex County Cricket Ground, a family summer garden party and the city’s Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, will continue.

This year will also see a first-night communal Seder in Chelmsford and a second in Harlow, alongside plans for a joint “get to know you” celebration in the spring or summer.

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Jon Kaye, chair of Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that after a year of friendly discussions, we have combined these two Essex communities which comprise members from this county and the eastern side of Hertfordshire.

“From the very beginning, everyone continued to be enthusiastic about coming to an arrangement where we could provide a synagogue, a rabbi, cheder, services and social occasions for the combined community without restricting local events close to where members live.”

Stan Keller, former chair of Chelmsford Jewish Community and now HCJC vice president, said: “With a combined history of over 125 years, the Harlow and Chelmsford Jewish Community builds on very strong foundations and relationships.

“This new community will pride itself on offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere for its members, and a high level of engagement with local civic society and other faith groups.”

As a Progressive synagogue, HCJC will welcome all Jews, including non-Jewish partners and family members. President Cheryl Petar said: “We welcome every person and family that wants to join us on their and our Jewish journey, regardless of background, religious practice and Jewish knowledge.”

Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky, co-leads of The Movement for Progressive Judaism, said the merger reflected a shared commitment to inclusion and interfaith engagement, adding they were “delighted that they have now come together as our newest Progressive community”.

The announcement follows a near-unanimous vote last month backing the Progressive merger of Radlett Reform Synagogue and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree, creating a new 1,100-household congregation.