OPINION: Join me in south London – a magnet for Jewish life
Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner says the census shows more British Jews are crossing the river where they find a young and vibrant community
It’s not just in the Torah that Jews cross over into The Promised Land. In 2022, Jews are crossing a different river, the Thames to a different land with great promise and an even greater reality.
I was promised this greater reality when I started as the rabbi in Bromley Reform Synagogue at the beginning of the year, but I really had no idea just how wonderful it would be. It seems I’m not alone. I’ve been lucky enough that lots of other Jews have the same idea.
The 2021 Census, published this week, shows that many Jews are crossing the Thames southwards, too. It makes sense. It’s cheaper than the north and has brilliant transport links. And it’s young and thriving. It’s green, diverse and yes, you can get challah here too!
As the community in the boroughs representing South and South East London tops 5,800, it is worth noting that Bromley Reform Synagogue is leading the way for growth. The end is most definitely not nigh for our community – doomsters, beware.
Bromley is one of the most active synagogues that I’ve experienced in the last twenty years, with a stunning level of muck-in and just-get-it-done-volunteering. People are drawn to our community because it is so welcoming. It’s a magnet for Jewish life.
We have a thriving weekly gan yeladim (nursery school), which is run by a group of devoted parents and caters for everyone from the age of… well… zero until 5 alongside our fun and feisty cheder.
Bromley is a kind community with all kinds of people and the catchment area runs from Greenwich to past Tunbridge Wells. The increases in numbers of Jews that the census shows is echoed in our membership – increasing membership from Bromley, Greenwich, Lewisham, Southwark and more. Our community reflects South London and Kent – diverse families of all backgrounds, races and, encouragingly all ages. Join me in this open-hearted welcome to South London which may not be flowing with milk and honey but is certainly a brilliant place for Jews and the outlook just got better.
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