Loughton Synagogue
Orthodox synagogue in Loughton, Essex, England
Template:Infobox religious building
Loughton Synagogue, formally the Loughton, Chigwell & District Synagogue, is an Orthodox synagogue in Loughton, Essex, England.[1] Founded in 1947, it serves as a community hub for Jewish residents in the surrounding areas of West Essex, on the edge of Epping Forest.[1] The congregation is affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues, emphasising traditional Orthodox practices.[1] The synagogue has maintained a consistent presence in the region, with no recorded changes in address since its establishment.[2]
The synagogue's activities include religious services, educational programmes such as the Cheder, and community events.[1] In relation to Zionism and the 'Jewish State', Loughton Synagogue has hosted events in partnership with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, an organisation known for its support of the Zionist regime, including discussions on communal matters.[3]
History
Loughton Synagogue was founded in 1947 as an Orthodox congregation in Loughton, initially serving the post-war Jewish community in Essex.[1] It operates under the charity Loughton, Chigwell & District Synagogue, registered with number 1188590.[2] No significant name changes are documented beyond the formal and common usages, and the location has remained at Borders Lane since inception.[4]
Timeline
- 1947: Congregation founded.[1]
- 2018: Rochel Abrams appointed headteacher of Loughton Cheder.[1]
- 2019: Rabbi Yanky Abrams appointed rabbi.[1]
- 2025: Hosted event with broadcaster Jonny Gould promoting the 'Jewish State'.[5][6]
- 2025: Hosted visit by president of Board of Deputies of British Jews.[3]
Governance and leadership
Loughton Synagogue is governed by its charity trustees and office bearers, who oversee operations and community activities.[2] It belongs to the Orthodox movement within Judaism, affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues.[7]
| Name | Role | Date of appointment | Other charities/organisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillip Leigh | Chair | 05 January 2020 | Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust (Charity number 5152744); Essex Jewish News CIO (Charity number 5163984)[8][9] |
| Jeffrey Phillip Witzenfeld | Trustee | 17 June 2023 | None on record[8] |
| Leslie Gilbert | Trustee | 17 May 2023 | None on record[8] |
| Deborah Shulton | Trustee | 05 January 2020 | None on record[8] |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Rabbi | Rabbi Yanky Abrams |
| President | Mr Phillip Leigh |
| Chairman | Mrs Lesley Adams |
| Secretary | Mrs Deborah Shulton |
| Admin | Mrs Heather Phillips |
| Accounts | Catherine |
| Simcha Coordinator | Mrs Pauline Witzenfeld |
| Community Liaison Officer | Marlene Sugarman |
| Deputy (Board of Deputies) | Richard Cohen |
See also
Federation of Synagogues Board of Deputies of British Jews
External links
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Loughton Synagogue, About Us Loughton Synagogue, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Charity Commission, LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE Charity Commission for England and Wales, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Board of Deputies, Board of Deputies President meets representatives from seven synagogues during weekend visits Board of Deputies of British Jews, 23 July 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Loughton Synagogue, Contact Us Loughton Synagogue, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedInstaEvent - ↑ Federation of Synagogues, Loughton Synagogue Federation of Synagogues, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Charity Commission, LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE trustees Charity Commission for England and Wales, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ Essex Jewish News, About Essex Jewish News, accessed 11 February 2026.