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Reform Synagogues (Shuls)

The history of Reform Judaism in Britain can be traced back to 1836 when a number of congregants of Bevis Marks (see The Oldest Synagogue in the UK) requested certain alterations be made to the traditional service.

Although these requests were met, later ones in 1839 asking for the changes listed below, were not:

  • Reducing the length and number of prayers in the service
  • Giving sermons in English
  • Holding Shabbat and festival services at a more convenient time
  • Abolishing the second day of the holy days

When they realized that the changes they wanted were not going to be implemented, the reformers moved away from Bevis Marks and set up a new ‘reform synagogue’ called The West London Synagogue of British Jews in 1840.

The new synagogue incorporated their desired reforms into its services leading to the birth of the Reform movement in the UK.

In 1856 Parliament passed an Act allowing the rabbi of West London synagogue to register marriages. This established the congregation’s autonomy and equal footing in the eyes of the law with Orthodox synagogues.

There are currently around 40 reform synagogues in the UK and approximately 42,000 registered members.

There are a number of differences between Reform and Orthodox synagogues including:

  • The celebration of one not two holy days
  • Men and women sit together in synagogue
  • Services are conducted in a mixture of English and Hebrew
  • Gender equality in all aspects of prayer and dress

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