Highgate rebuilds for growing congregation

HIGHGATE SYNAGOGUE is being rebuilt in a £2 million-plus project to provide modern, environmentally friendly premises for a membership that has almost tripled to 400 over the past three decades.

Three years ago, the Highgate board concluded that further growth was impossible unless a new and larger building replaced the late-Victorian converted hall and adjoining cottage it was using. With United Synagogue support, the shul embarked on a fundraising campaign.

Features of the new building will include a learning centre in honour of the late historian, Sir Martin Gilbert, who was a regular congregant, as well as a larger house on site for Rabbi Nicky Liss and his family.

“It is fantastic news that in Highgate’s 90th year, we can look forward to a new shul that will better meet the needs of our young and growing community,” Rabbi Liss said. “I must pay tribute to those lay leaders in Highgate who have worked so hard to make this dream come true.”

Synagogue president Duncan Gee expressed the congregation’s gratitude to the head and governors of nearby Highgate School for making rooms available for Shabbat services during the 40 weeks of building work.

“We look forward to welcoming them as guests of honour when the Chief Rabbi consecrates our new shul before the High Holy Days next year.”

‘It is fantastic news in our 90th year’