Book Description

This is a fully illustrated history of the Golders Green Synagogue which was founded in 1915 during the First World War. At the turn of the 20th century, Golders Green comprised mainly open fields but the coming of the underground precipitated rapid development. Jews began to move into the area from places like Kilburn and Cricklewood. Most of the land was owned by Church Commissioners from whom the congregation eventually purchased its plot in Dunstan Road to erect the first purpose-built synagogue in Golders Green, consecrated in 1922. From small beginnings of circa. 20 members, it soon became a thriving congregation with over 1,500 members at its peak. Its members made their own contribution to the Armed Forces in both world wars and their sacrifice is commemorated on the shul¿s War Memorial. Amongst the ministers and rabbis in its hundred year history have been Rev Isaac Livingstone, Rabbi Eugene Newman, Dayan Swift and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks; the latter went on to become the Chief Rabbi of Great Britain and the Commonwealth. In recent times, the Grade II Listed synagogue underwent refurbishment and was transformed from a tired, dilapidated building to a modern, regenerated place of prayer. Today, it enjoys religious revival with young families and a very successful Primary Free School. This books charts and celebrates its first remarkable hundred years.