The Shuls of Chabad
About our Synagogue (Shul)
We currently have two full-time Synagogues, one at Chabad Gants Hill led by Rabbi Aryeh M Sufrin MBE, one at Chabad Buckhurst Hill led by Rabbi Odom Brandman and one at Epping currently operating once a month (planning to be open full time October 2019).
A warm welcome greets all who step through the doors of our Centres, no matter whether they attend as a one off or on a regular basis.
Chabad’s philosophy is to greet all with open arms, so there is no need to worry or be uncomfortable if you or your guests feel that their Hebrew reading and Jewish knowledge is not yet at the level that you would wish it to be, we are here to help make your Shabbat services experience meaningful and enjoyable.
The prayers and reading from the Torah are made easier to follow, as there are numerous explanations shared throughout the services, using bilingual Prayer and Torah books and page numbers being called out throughout.
Midway through the Shabbat Services, just before the Torah portion is read, a “time speak” – generally a precis of the weekly portion, with some personal thoughts is presented by a member of the community (on a rota, pre-arranged basis). This gives all an opportunity to have a basic understanding of the Sedrah – portion that is being read, before we begin.
The weekly sermon is delivered by the Rabbi, connecting the Torah portion with current affairs while sharing a deeper message, making it relevant to our everyday lives.
Under the direction of Mrs Devorah Sufrin and Mrs Henny Brandman respectively, our children’s services are led by our resident “shluchot”, who prepare excellent programmes with a mix of songs, learning and games.
All of our personnel dealing with any aspect of children and youth services are DBS checked and trained in child protection.
Each week the service concludes with a vegetarian hot cholent Kiddush, together with sweet and savoury delicacies with a Lechaim for those that wish as well as non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments. Notwithstanding that Chabad is renowned for its selection of malt whiskeys and vodka, responsible drinking is taken seriously and practiced by all at our Chabad Houses.
Kiddush is undoubtedly the best time to socialise and catch up with members and friends of the Chabad family and thereby develop and strengthen friendships.
Specially catered events such as Shabbat lunches, Friday night dinners take place throughout the year. They comprise all of the traditional foods together with singing and listening to words of wisdom and encouragement. We also arrange hospitality and meals for guests visiting the area for Shabbat, as well as Synagogue participants on a regular basis.
If you or someone you know would like to enjoy a Chabad experience please consider this as an open invitation. For obvious reasons we do have security at our Synagogue, so it’s always advisable to ring before Shabbat and let us know that you wish to join us.
To be included in our regular mailings please e mail: pa@chabadilford.co.uk.
Facilities are available for you to join our Synagogue with or without a burial scheme. More details can be found in our membership pack below.