A Chabad rabbi and his South London congregation are well on their way to raising £250,000 to build the first dedicated Jewish communal space in Battersea in over 25 years.

“Until now, we have been operating out of our house but our living room is getting too small,” explained Rabbi Moshe Adler, who arrived in Battersea from America six years ago with his wife and children after researching areas of London that could benefit from a “re-energised” Jewish offering.

“When we first came to the country, we didn’t know anybody. Today, we have a contact list of over 200 households and 400-500 people who we are in touch with and provide services for.”

The community’s first members were recruited through knocking on doors. But growth has since been organic, with new contacts generated through the Chabad Battersea website.

“Battersea is an attractive place for young professionals because of proximity to work, affordable flats and good schools, both state and private,” Rabbi Adler added.

“There’s an influx of people moving here constantly from all over the world. We have members from France, South Africa, the States. But we now cannot welcome the number of people looking to join.”

After searching for suitable accommodation for around a year, the group agreed a tenure lease on a commercial space in central Battersea.

Fundraising efforts towards the cost of renovation works began last summer but have been ramped up in recent weeks.
“There is excitement in the community,” Rabbi Adler said. “Most Jews who moved to Battersea never expected a dedicated shul to be in the area.

“We have been told by multiple people that when they arrived, they thought they were the only Jewish person here.

The premises will house a social hall that seats up to 50, a youth room, kitchen and a library.

“A new centre will allow us to host more people more often. We look forward to being able to do things on a more regular basis like Shabbat services every week, classes and lectures and weekly youth programmes,” Rabbi Adler said.

“But it will also be a space for people to just drop by, to read a Jewish book or pray in their own time. For us, it is important to be there for each individual and to make Judaism meaningful for them personally.”

Long-time Battersea resident Ariel Yanna joined the Chabad community shortly after Rabbi Adler’s arrival..

“The congregation really started from zero,” she told the JC. “But we saw the congregation getting bigger each year and we have Moshe and his wife Gitty to thank for that. They are so dedicated to the community.

“I am thrilled that they are here.Gitty was absolutely wonderful during the pandemic.
“She organised so many events for the community over zoom. We are lucky to have them.”

To donate, you can do so here: charidy.com/centre