Merged Edgware, Elstree and Borehamwood Masorti Shul to be called ‘Shema’

A newly merged Masorti London shul has revealed its new name: Shema.

After an online poll of over 200 community members, it was agreed to name the community after the famous prayer Jews say twice a day.

Short for South Herts and Edgware Masorti, the name represents the new community, which was launched in December with the official merger of Edgware Masorti Synagogue (EMS) and Elstree and Borehamwood Masorti Community (EBMC).

Over 40 names were suggested by members of both legacy communities before members cast their votes. The decision was then ratified by a meeting of the synagogue Council on 21 February.

Rabbi Danny Newman has been joint rabbi of both communities since mid-2021.

Shul Co-Chair Steven Lux said he hoped the new name should catch the attention of the Jewish community throughout the local area.

“SHEMA is a powerful name which embodies the dynamic spirit of our new community,” he said.

“South Herts and Edgware Masorti tells people where we are, but SHEMA says pay attention, we are open for business, while of course having immediate resonance from our daily prayers.”

The next task is to find a new permanent home near Borehamwood for the shul.

Currently, they are continuing to hold services in both Edgware and Borehamwood, plus combined events including Yom Tov services and Bar and Bar Mitzvahs.

And if you didn’t have a chance to get involved in the name vote, there’s more to come. This week the shul announced that a competition will be held to design a logo “that symbolises the spirit of the new name”.