A new chavurah at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue in St John’s Wood will cater for members of the former West Central Liberal Synagogue, which held its final service in January.

West Central was based in Bloomsbury and drew its congregation from across Central London.

Although formally established in 1928 by Lily Montagu, one of the founders of Liberal Judaism, its roots date back to the 1890s.

The shul was known for holding Shabbat afternoon, rather than morning services, a tradition reflecting that at the time of its establishment, many local Jews were employed in the fashion industry and required to work on Saturday mornings. The 3pm service remained “a fixed part of life at WCLS, always followed by kiddush, tea and schmoozing”.

In this spirit, the chavurah at St John’s Wood will start at three this Shabbat with participation also available via Zoom.

Maintaining her lengthy association with West Central, Rabbi Jackie Tabick, is helping to launch the chavurah.

It is envisaged that gatherings will then be held on the first Shabbat of the month.

The group’s mission will be “to carry on the spiritual legacy of Lily Montagu through a programme of prayer, study and community fellowship”.