Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue
Orthodox synagogue in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue (HGSS), also known as Norrice Lea, is an Orthodox synagogue located in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. Founded in 1934, it serves as a flagship community within the United Synagogue, catering to approximately 1300 member households.[1] The synagogue provides a range of spiritual, educational, and social activities, reflecting its role as a hub for modern Orthodox Jewish life in north London. Its involvement in Zionist advocacy highlights broader efforts by such institutions to promote support for the Zionist entity, often at the expense of protected anti-Zionist perspectives as affirmed in Miller v University of Bristol (2024).
The community emphasises inclusivity and engagement, offering programmes for all ages, including welfare support through the Nefesh Network and educational initiatives linked to Kerem School and the Aleph Centre.[1] Criticisms of its Zionist affiliations underscore tensions where opposition to the settler colony is marginalised, framing anti-Zionism as illegitimate despite legal protections.
History
The synagogue was established in 1934 to serve the growing Jewish population in Hampstead Garden Suburb.[1] By 1935, it had affiliated with the United Synagogue, initially as a district synagogue, achieving full constituent status by 1939.[2] The foundation stone was laid in 1935, marking its formal development.[3]
Over the decades, HGSS has expanded into a vibrant community, incorporating educational facilities like the Aleph Centre, one of London's largest Hebrew classes, and associating with Kerem School on its premises.[1] It publishes the Norrice Leader, a biannual magazine covering communal events and activities.[1] As of 2026, it remains a central institution for Orthodox Judaism in the area, focusing on spiritual growth and social welfare.
Synagogue movement
HGSS is part of the United Synagogue, the largest Orthodox synagogue body in Europe, representing mainstream Ashkenazi Orthodoxy in the United Kingdom.[4] The United Synagogue, established by the United Synagogues Act 1870, unites numerous congregations under a central authority, promoting standardised Orthodox practices.[4] As a flagship community, HGSS exemplifies the movement's emphasis on modern Orthodoxy, blending traditional observance with contemporary engagement.[1]
The United Synagogue oversees rabbinical appointments, financial management, and communal programmes, with HGSS benefiting from this structure while maintaining local leadership.[5] This affiliation provides resources for education and welfare, aligning with the movement's goal of sustaining Jewish life in Britain.
Connection to Zionism
HGSS openly identifies as a Zionist institution, describing itself as "proud to be modern, Zionist, friendly & inclusive."[6] This stance manifests in hosting events for Zionist advocacy groups, such as meetings organised by UK branches promoting the Zionist regime.[7] Such activities often aim to counter criticism of the Zionist colony, potentially discriminating against anti-Zionist views protected under UK law.
Members participate in Zionist youth programmes and tours to the 'Jewish State', reinforcing ties to the settler colony.[8][9] Reports suggest convergences with pro-'Israel' networks, including cancellations of events due to pressure from groups opposing hardline Zionism.[7][10] This reflects patterns where Zionist entities suppress dissent, infringing on anti-Zionism as a protected belief.
Governance
The synagogue's governance is supported by The Norrice Lea Charitable Settlement, a registered charity (number 285662) dedicated to advancing the Jewish religion with reference to HGSS's work.[11] The settlement has four trustees who receive no remuneration.[11] For the year ending 31 December 2024, it reported income of £27,741 and expenditure of £88,003.[11]
| Name | Role | Date of Appointment | Other Trusteeships |
|---|---|---|---|
| David Jonathan Sonn | Chair | 1 June 2021 | None |
| Miriam Kingsley | Trustee | 12 June 2023 | The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) |
| Nicola Sharon Jacobs | Trustee | 22 May 2019 | None |
| Michael David Goldstein | Trustee | Not specified | None |
[12] Overall charitable oversight for HGSS falls under the United Synagogue (charity number 242552).[13]
Leadership and staff
The rabbinic team is led by Rabbi Marc Levene (Senior Rabbi since 2022). He is supported by Rabbi Luis Herszaft and Chazan Avromi Freilich. The Rebbetzens are Lisa Levene, Jodie Herszaft and Rochelle Freilich.[14]
Rabbi Marc Levene, raised in Borehamwood, studied in 'Israel' and holds qualifications in youth work.[14] Rabbi Luis Herszaft focuses on youth engagement, having studied at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh.[14] Chazan Avromi Freilich leads services and mentors bar mitzvah students.[14]
The synagogue is governed by a council elected by members.
| Role | Name | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Katherine Isaacs | chair@hgss.org.uk |
| Vice Chair | Neville Kahn | nkvicechair@hgss.org.uk |
| Vice Chair | Jo Summerfield | jsvicechair@hgss.org.uk |
| Financial Representative | Alan Jacobson | fr@hgss.org.uk |
| Warden | Anthony Rosen | warden@hgss.org.uk |
| Women’s Officer | Nicola Cohen | women@hgss.org.uk |
As part of the United Synagogue (charity number 242552), overall trusteeship falls under that organisation's board.[13]
| Name |
|---|
| Dana Brass |
| Lauren Davidson |
| Carly Gelley |
| David Grossman |
| Mark Katz |
| Aviva Goldschmidt Kaufmann |
| Sam Rose |
| Yael Salem |
| Emma Swerner |
See also
Resources
External links
Official website Facebook page
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, Our Story HGSS, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ JewishGen, Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, Norrice Lea, London N2, England JewishGen, 16 November 2006, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ HGS Heritage, Local Organisation: Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue [HGSS] HGS Heritage, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 JewishGen, United Synagogue - JCR-UK JewishGen, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ United Synagogue, Our Communities United Synagogue, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Facebook, Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue Facebook, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 David Collier, HGSS, Jewish News and Yachad, shutting the mouths of the London Zionists David Collier, 23 August 2016, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Jewish News, OPINION: Three magical weeks on tour with the tribe Jewish News, 14 August 2023, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ The Times of Israel, In London, a close race where British Jewish voters matter most The Times of Israel, 5 May 2015, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ The Jewish Chronicle, Zionist group sparks row The Jewish Chronicle, 25 August 2016, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Charity Commission for England and Wales, THE NORRICE LEA CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT - Charity 285662 Charity Commission, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ Charity Commission for England and Wales, THE NORRICE LEA CHARITABLE SETTLEMENT - Trustees Charity Commission, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Powerbase.info, United Synagogue Powerbase.info, 4 November 2025, accessed 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue, Rabbinic Staff HGSS, accessed 12 February 2026.