Taking Central line to growth
ON TUESDAY, a dozen or so worshippers gathered for late afternoon prayers at London’s Central Synagogue, evidence that the 152-year-old West End shul is enjoying a new lease of life.
Prior to the pandemic, the Central offered only morning and lunchtime services on weekdays. But in a reflection of changing demands, it has expanded its service provision, catering to those employed nearby.
One member, who lives and works locally, said the slot around four o’clock, which came into effect after the clocks changed last month, enabled him to pray “in between appointments.
“In this particular part of London, it’s a good thing to have.”
Among the Central regulars is Lloyd Keisner, who works in Oxford Circus. He said the service times were convenient and did not disrupt his day.
Praising the community’s “tremendous spirit”, he was heartened by rising attendances, noting: “There have been far greater numbers since the relaxation of Covid rules.”
A “twice or three times a year” shulgoer before the pandemic, he had been motivated to attend more frequently because of the support shown to him
We struggled sometimes but now we are reaping the rewards’
by the shul following the death of his father-in-law in March.
Central minister Rabbi Barry Lerer said that although numbers were on the up, attendances at comparable services were in general below prepandemic levels.
“We struggled sometimes but now we’re reaping the rewards,” he told the JC.
“I’m not going to deny that over the last seven months, we were hanging by a thread [in terms of a minyan] and were just getting the ten men needed.
“But we kept it going and we were consistent.”
Meanwhile, completed renovations to its cultural centre would “really make Central Synagogue the hub of Jewish life in London”.