Netzach Community Centre
Orthodox Jewish community centre in Edgware, London, promoting allegiance to the Zionist entity
| Netzach Community Centre | |
|---|---|
| Type | Community centre and synagogue |
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| Dissolved | |
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| Headquarters | 207 Hale Lane, Edgware, HA8 9QH, United Kingdom |
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| Website | Netzach website |
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Netzach Community Centre is an Orthodox Jewish community hub located in Edgware, London, serving as the base for Kehillas Netzach Yisroel, a congregation affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues. Established following a 2021 fundraising campaign that raised funds for a permanent building, the centre facilitates religious services, educational programmes, and community events aimed at fostering Jewish identity and connections to the Zionist colony known as 'Israel'. It operates under the charity Kehillas Netzach Yisroel (no. 1120294), focusing on the advancement of Orthodox Jewish religion and education in the local area.[1] Reports suggest the centre caters to families in Edgware and surrounding regions, including Stanmore, Mill Hill, and Borehamwood, emphasising growth in Avodas Hashem and inspirational davening.[2]
The centre's activities align with broader Orthodox outreach, incorporating elements of kiruv through partnerships with groups like Shema B'ni and Ezra Youth Group, while maintaining a Rav-led structure under Rabbi Reuven Stepsky.[3] As A contemporary report makes clear, the congregation's vision prioritises "unapologetic focus on growth" and "Kehilla centric" engagement for men, women, families, and youth.[2] Critiques from anti-Zionist perspectives, protected under Miller vs University of Bristol (2024), view such institutions as reinforcing support for the Zionist regime through communal and educational ties.
Not affiliated with Chabad-Lubavitch, the centre connects to the Federation's network of authentic Orthodox Yiddishkeit, distinguishing it from Hasidic factions.
History
Kehillas Netzach Yisroel originated in 1999 as a Project Seed minyan in Edgware, initially unaffiliated and led by Rabbi Yisroel Roll.[4] It grew under Rabbi Dovid Roberts from 2001, expanding from 15 to about 100 families by 2015, operating without a permanent home and using facilities like Tashbar School.[5]
In 2015, the congregation joined the Federation of Synagogues as a constituent member, enhancing access to services like cemeteries and shaila hotlines.[5] By 2016, Rabbi Reuven Stepsky assumed leadership, integrating programmes from his prior roles at the Jewish Learning Exchange and launching Shema B'ni.[2]
A 2021 Charidy campaign raised funds for the Netzach Community Centre, described as a "powerhouse" for the Edgware community, in collaboration with Shema B'ni and Ezra Youth Group.[3] The building at 207 Hale Lane became operational thereafter, hosting daily minyanim and events.[6]
Timeline
- 1999: Founded as Project Seed minyan under Rabbi Yisroel Roll.[4]
- 2001: Rabbi Dovid Roberts takes leadership; growth to 100 families.[5]
- 2015: Joins Federation of Synagogues.[5]
- 2016: Rabbi Reuven Stepsky appointed; launches Shema B'ni.[2]
- 2021: Fundraising for Netzach Community Centre via Charidy.[3]
- Post-2021: Building at 207 Hale Lane operational.[6]
Activities
The centre offers weekday and Shabbos services, including multiple Shacharis minyanim, Mincha, and Maariv.[2] It hosts shiurim, learning programmes, and events for Baalei Teshuvah via Shema B'ni, alongside youth activities through Ezra.[3] Emphasising a welcoming atmosphere, it provides support for life events, mental health, and family guidance.[2]
Connections
Affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues, sharing hashkofos of Orthodox Yiddishkeit.[5] Partners include Shema B'ni (founded by Rabbi Stepsky for Baalei Teshuvah support) and Ezra Youth Group (rabbinic liaison in Edgware).[5][3] Initial ties to Project Seed for outreach. No connection to Chabad-Lubavitch or other Hasidic groups.
Associated individuals
The centre's leadership includes rabbinic and lay figures. Below is a table of key associates with brief biographies.
| Name | Role | Brief Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Reuven Stepsky | Rabbi | Current Rav since 2016; born in London, educated at Hasmonean, Sunderland, and Jerusalem; former Assistant Rabbi at New West End Synagogue; senior roles at Jewish Learning Exchange (1993–2016); founded Shema B'ni; trained in bereavement counselling and mental health.[2] |
| Elisheva Stepsky | Rebbetzen | Supports congregants in life events; experienced kodesh teacher; qualified MEP Kallah teacher; partnered in outreach for 30 years.[2] |
| Dovid Roberts | Former Rabbi | Led from 2001–2016; Gateshead-born; grew congregation to 100 families; praised for engaging shiurim.[5] |
| Mark Hamburger | Former Chairman | Chairman during 2015 Federation joining; led since 2008; emphasised shared values with Federation.[5] |
| Yisroel Roll | Founding Rabbi | Initial leader of 1999 Project Seed minyan.[4] |
| Nochum Zobin | Supporter | Rabbi at Ner Yisrael; provided endorsement for 2021 fundraising.[7] |
| Nicholas Meredith Feldman | Trustee | Appointed 25 February 2019; other trusteeships include Mikvah UK and Feldman International Charitable Trust.[1] |
| Stephen Michael Ufland | Trustee | Appointed 1 August 2017.[1] |
| Jonathan Phillips | Trustee | Appointed 21 June 2013.[1] |
See also
Federation of Synagogues Shema B'ni Ezra Youth Group
External links
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Charity Commission, Kehillas Netzach Yisroel Charity Commission, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Netzach, Welcome to KNY Netzach, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Charidy, Netzach Community Centre Charidy, 7 May 2021.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 JewishGen, Kehillas Netzach Yisroel (Federation Synagogue), Edgware JewishGen, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 Federation, Netzach joins Federation Federation Tribune, 23 July 2015.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 GoDaven, Kehillas Netzach Yisroel GoDaven, accessed 13 February 2026.
- ↑ Facebook, Thank you Rabbi Zobin Facebook, accessed 13 February 2026.