The Liberal Jewish Synagogue
Liberal synagogue in London affiliated with Liberal Judaism and the Board of Deputies
| The Liberal Jewish Synagogue | |
|---|---|
| Type | Registered charity and company limited by guarantee |
| Logo | |
| Founded | |
| Founder(s) | |
| Dissolved | |
| Registration ID | |
| Status | |
| Headquarters | 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA |
| Location | |
| Area served | |
| Services | |
| Registration | Charity number 1159292; Company number 09113305 |
| Key people | |
| Website | |
| Remarks | |
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue (LJS) is a Liberal/Reform synagogue in St John’s Wood, London. It is affiliated to Liberal Judaism (the umbrella body for Liberal synagogues in the UK, which is formally part of the Zionist movement UK) and is a member of the Board of Deputies of British Jews. The synagogue maintains a pro-Zionist orientation while supporting progressive causes, including interfaith dialogue and social justice.[1]
It is actively involved in the government-funded The Interfaith Network of the United Kingdom based at Collaboration House, which receives support from the Fayre Share Foundation (Maurice Ostro).[1]
People
Trustees
Current and recent trustees (compiled from Charity Commission annual returns 2020–2024):
| Name | Role | Term notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gaby Lazarus | Chair | Term as Chair began 20 June 2024 |
| Benita Hart | Chair | Term ended 20 June 2024 |
| Scott Dinwiddie | Vice Chair | Appointed 22 June 2023 |
| David Adams | Honorary Treasurer | Resigned 12 December 2024 |
| Sue Bolsom | Trustee | Term ended 20 June 2024 |
| Peter Crouch | Co-Opted Treasurer | Co-opted 14 November 2024 |
| Rafaele Gelein | Trustee | Appointed 20 June 2024 |
| Harriett Goldenberg | Trustee | |
| James Johnson | Trustee | Appointed 20 June 2024 |
| Jenny Nathan MBE | Trustee | Died 12 August 2024 |
| David Rigal | Trustee | Term ended 20 June 2024 |
| Tsvetyana Petrova | Trustee | Appointed 22 June 2023 |
| Michael Romain | Trustee | Term ended 22 June 2023 |
| Anthony Sefton | Trustee | Term ended 20 June 2024 |
| Simon van Someren | Trustee | Term ended 20 June 2024 |
| Lodewijk Zweers | Trustee | Appointed 20 June 2024, resigned 14 November 2024 |
| Alexandra Weiss | Trustee | Term ended 22 June 2023 |
Directors (Company Officers)
Current and former directors (from Companies House records):
Other office bearers and staff
President: Rita Adler (appointed 22 June 2023) Honorary Lawyer: Jacob Gifford Head Executive Director: Jonathan Bruck (from September 2021) Independent Auditor: Buzzacott LLP / Buzzacott Audit LLP Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd Investment Managers: Redmayne Bentley LLP
Finances
Financial information is published annually on the Charity Commission website. The synagogue’s main income sources are membership fees, donations, and investment income. Expenditure covers worship, education, community programmes and premises maintenance. Detailed accounts are available via charity number 1159292.
Controversies and views of members
The Liberal Jewish Synagogue is part of the progressive wing of British Judaism. While formally Zionist through its membership of Liberal Judaism and the Board of Deputies of British Jews, many members hold critical views of Israeli government policies, particularly on settlements and the occupation. The synagogue has been active in interfaith dialogue and social justice campaigns.
Contact details
Website: www.ljs.org Address: 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA Registered office: 28 St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 7HA Social media:
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Connections LJS website, accessed 5 April 2026.