Belsize Square Synagogue

Belsize Square Synagogue is a synagogue and Jewish community in Belsize Park, Hampstead, in the London Borough of Camden. It is independent, drawing from the worship tradition of German Liberal Judaism. AffiliationBelsize Square Synagogue is independent and not affiliated to any synagogal grouping. Unique within the UK, it derives from continental Liberal Judaism, having been founded in 1939 by refugees mainly from Germany. While today the membership of Belsize Square Synagogue comprises people who have joined from other strands of Judaism alongside the families of its founders, this history is reflected especially in the dignity of its religious services, mainly conducted in Hebrew, and its music. This was mainly composed by Louis Lewandowski (b. 1821), who was based in Berlin and influenced by Felix Mendelssohn, and by Salomon Sulzer (b. 1804), a Viennese cantor and contemporary and friend of Franz Schubert. ServicesReligious services are held every Friday evening and Saturday morning and on Jewish festivals. A Sunday minyan (congregation) meets occasionally. Men and women sit together and both may be called up to read from the Torah. Children's services (known as Kikar Kids) are held on the first Saturday morning of the month. Belsize Square Synagogue services are live-streamed via its website, with the support of grant funding from the Six Point Foundation.

Belsize Square Synagogue is a synagogue and Jewish community in Belsize Park, Hampstead, in the London Borough of Camden. It is independent, drawing from the worship tradition of German Liberal Judaism. AffiliationBelsize Square Synagogue is independent and not affiliated to any synagogal grouping. Unique within the UK, it derives from continental Liberal Judaism, having been founded in 1939 by refugees mainly from Germany. While today the membership of Belsize Square Synagogue comprises people who have joined from other strands of Judaism alongside the families of its founders, this history is reflected especially in the dignity of its religious services, mainly conducted in Hebrew, and its music. This was mainly composed by Louis Lewandowski (b. 1821), who was based in Berlin and influenced by Felix Mendelssohn, and by Salomon Sulzer (b. 1804), a Viennese cantor and contemporary and friend of Franz Schubert. ServicesReligious services are held every Friday evening and Saturday morning and on Jewish festivals. A Sunday minyan (congregation) meets occasionally. Men and women sit together and both may be called up to read from the Torah. Children's services (known as Kikar Kids) are held on the first Saturday morning of the month. Belsize Square Synagogue services are live-streamed via its website, with the support of grant funding from the Six Point Foundation.