Some “significant” funding pledges towards a proposed £500,000 redevelopment of Hadley Wood Jewish Community’s Lancaster Avenue synagogue were made at an information event at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden.

Supporters were told of plans to transform the premises, a converted house, into a purpose-built synagogue and community centre for the 110 member families.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was among the guests, as was Rabbi Yisroel Fine, minister of Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue, of which the Hadley Wood community was an offshoot before gaining independence.

Hadley Wood’s Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum told guests that “the chance to live the dream is within striking distance”.
Congregants have come up with around half the funding. The hope is that the refurbished building will be ready in time for next year’s High Holy Days.