Leicester Progressive Hebrew Congregation is experiencing a surge of interest from potential converts, which the community attributes to the Covid crisis.

“We have never had this level of interest before,” said shul chair David Bartram. “It’s remarkable the way the pandemic has made people reflect on faith.”

At least 15 people have made inquiries over the past two years with around ten taking a weekly course conducted via Zoom by the shul’s visiting minister, Rabbi Mark Solomon.
Some have Jewish heritage from past generations; others none.

A number are joining the shul’s Friday night or Shabbat morning gatherings, whether in person or online. “It’s an expectation that they would participate in services,” Mr Bartram explained.

Like many Progressive communities, Leicester draws its membership from a wide area and currently numbers 75 individuals.

It lost one member to Covid at the start of the pandemic and has held physical services for most of the time they have been allowed, albeit with a cautious approach.

A limit of 35 has been imposed at its 80-capacity sanctuary, which has windows “pretty much on every side”, allowing for adequate ventilation. “I think we’ve done well in trying to adapt.”

With some older congregants unwilling to return in person, numbers are down on pre-pandemic levels and Mr Bartram said there had never been an occasion when anyone had to be turned away.

Zoom provision had been important in keeping hesitant shul-goers engaged in worship.

“Every individual counts,” he maintained.

As Rabbi Solomon also serves the Edinburgh Liberal congregation, Leicester members were also joining live-streamed services he conducts in Scotland.

Another online virtue was that holding council meetings digitally allowed participation from people who would previously have struggled to attend.

But in terms of services and social and cultural events, many felt that Zoom was “second best. People want to be together.”

A book group will be meeting at the end of the month and other activities are being considered.

Mr Bartram is an associate sociology professor at the University of Leicester who moved to Britain from the US 20 years ago, initially living in Reading.

He said that new recruits to the shul tended to be people coming to the area for work.