Harrow and Northwood may merge

Harrow and Wembley Progressive Synagogue is considering closing as an independent synagogue to merge with six-mile distant Northwood and Pinner Liberal shul.

Harrow chairman Adrian Cohen, after a shul council meeting, said: “We’re committed to exploring this.”

Selling Harrow’s present 7,000 sq ft premises would produce a £1 million-plus “dowry”. Rabbi Frank Dabba Smith would continue taking pastoral and educational work, while collaborating with the NPLS rabbinate. The shuls’ lay teams would similarly dovetail. Both shuls are forming sub-committees to assess the implications. Northwood chairman David Edelman estimated, “it can take months to finalise”.

Harrow treasurer Steven Sanderson reported rising debts and a declining community.