Finchley Progressive Synagogue

We would be pleased to welcome you as a member of Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS). The synagogue was founded in 1953, and we moved into our current building in 1962. We are a diverse community, and have a lot to offer. To explain a little about ourselves and make the process more straightforward, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Q: Who is the Rabbi at FPS?
A: Rabbi Mark Goldsmith is our full-time Rabbi, and he has served FPS with enthusiasm since 1999. He is married to Nicola Goldsmith, with whom he has two daughters, Alice and Miriam. A graduate of Leo Baeck College, he plays an active role in every facet of our synagogue’s life: religious, social, educational and pastoral.

Q: What sorts of services are held at FPS?
A: We hold Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning, and celebrate all Jewish festivals using the Liberal Judaism prayer-book, Siddur Lev Chadash and the more recent publication Machzor Ruach Chadashah on the High Holy Days. We believe in having a diversity and richness in prayer, and so offer a more experimental monthly Shacharit Sheli where time is spent studying the weekly parasha as well as regular Children’s Services, musical Jazz Services.

Our Friday evening and the evenings of the festivals services are at 6.30 pm but on the last Friday of the month we usually begin at 8.15 pm for our Reflect and Relax Shabbat followed by refreshments giving the opportunity to relax and chat with other members and visitors. Shabbat and festival morning services begin at 11.00 am. We also host special events, such as our Chavurah Suppers, when the whole community gathers to celebrate Shabbat and share Friday night dinner together, complete with our very own Klezmer band.

Q: I have children. What activities does FPS offer?
A: We make sure there are plenty of activities for children of all ages. . Contact: Rabbi Mark Goldsmith. Here are a few examples:

Shabbat Babies & Toddlers, for those aged 0 to 2, and Shabbat Play & Learn, for children aged 3 to 6 and their parents or carers, uses stories and structured play to explore Shabbat and the Jewish festivals and Tefillah Terrors a special service for children aged 7-12. We hold after school events on each of the Jewish festivals combining experiencing the festival with a tea party open to all. Contact: Nicola Goldsmith

Ivriah, our unique religion school is open to children from 4-15, we emphasise participatory learning and explore Biblical texts, Jewish literature and history, life cycle events, festivals and Hebrew language. Additionally, from September 2004, Kabbalat Torah students (those aged 14-15) will be embarking on a GCSE Jewish Studies course. Contact: Jacqueline Bernard

Q: What does FPS offer for adults?
A: We have lots on offer, whether you are looking for social events, opportunities to learn more about your Judaism or to involve yourself in the community. For example, we hold Saturday Breakfast Shiurim where we hear from fascinating speakers on all kind of subjects or enagage in learning together, we have regularly scheduled Basic Judaism classes and we offer a wide variety of study sessions from Creative Writing through Jewish History to Hebrew at all levels at our T’vunah Evening Institute on Wednesday evenings. Contact: Rabbi Mark Goldsmith.

Q: What does FPS offer for older members?
A: In addition to all our regular activities, we have an active and fun Monday Afternoon Club featuring entertainment, tea and discussion for those in their senior years. Contact: Lena Ross.
Additionally, our Bridge Club meets most Monday evenings. Contact: Clive Winston.

Q: What does FPS offer for younger members?
A: In addition to our innovative approach to services, such as our Jazz Service, we work with the LJ Young Adults Division to promote social and educational events, including Tent, the Liberal Judaism initiative. Contact: Rabbi Mark Goldsmith.

Q: I love to sing. Does FPS have a choir?
A: Yes, and we welcome new members. Contact: Franklyn Gellnick

Q: I’m Jewish, but my partner isn’t. What can FPS offer us?
A: We believe that Jewish lives can be lived and Jewish values passed on whatever your family situation. Although the majority of FPS members are couples where both partners are Jewish, many Jews in our synagogue are married to or in partnership with non-Jews. Non-Jewish partners are positively welcomed at every event, class and service held in our community, and are invited to contribute as members of our community’s non-religious committees. If desired, non-Jewish partners may join a special membership scheme at a nominal fee.

Rabbi Neil Janes, BSc, MA
Emeritus Rabbi Dr Frank Hellner, MA
President Clive Winston
Chairperson Josie Kinchin
Vice Chairperson Andrew Hart
Treasurer Blake Weltman
Hon Secretary David Pelham
Administrator Roz Lester
Rabbi's Assistant Carole Schomberg
Shofar Editor Leon Pilpel
Head of Religion School (Ivriah) Jacqueline Bernard