Baby blessing
Baby Blessing: To celebrate this wonderful event, we offer this ceremony as part of our Shabbat service to enable both parents to thank God for the safe delivery of their child and allow grandparents, relatives and friends to share with members of our congregation in welcoming our newest member.
Circumcision: A list of mohelim can be obtained from the Sternberg Centre, 020 8349 2568.
Bar and Bat Mitzvah
Children progress through the Cheder and start to prepare for their Bar and Bat Mitzvah in their final two years with the help of a Cheder assistant.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah itself is held as part of the Shabbat service, with all the family participating as much as they wish to. It is always a joyful and fun occasion with traditions such as the Bar Mitzvah choosing the tune for Adon Olam adding a personal touch.
For exploring possible dates for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah please contact us.
Gateway to Judaism
Our Gateway to Judaism programme offers people the opportunity to learn about Judaism. It is open to anyone whether they are interested in eventual conversion, to learn more because of their own Jewish heritage or because they have a Jewish partner.
Our only condition to participating in the programme is that the individual attends several weeks of services and then becomes a Friend of the Synagogue, or an Associate Member if their Jewish partner is already a member.
Marriage
If you are considering celebrating your marriage ceremony in the heart of our vibrant Jewish community, we warmly invite you to hold it in our beautiful Synagogue. Our space offers a blend of tradition and modernity, providing the perfect setting for this special moment in your life.
Whether you are seeking a traditional ceremony or something more contemporary, we are here to support your unique journey. Our Rabbi and staff are available to guide you through every step of the planning process, ensuring your wedding is personal, meaningful, and tailored to your wishes.
To learn more about availability, ceremony details, or to arrange a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be honoured to be part of your special day.
What to do in the case of a bereavement.
Beth Shalom is a member of the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS) which organizes funerals on our behalf. When a death occurs the family should contact the synagogue admin team:
In office hours telephone: 07972 134026 (Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5 pm). Outside office hours you may contact JJBS on 0208 989 5252 to report the death.
The admin team will inform a member of the synagogue’s funeral committee who will contact the family and continue liaison with JJBS.
In most circumstances Beth Shalom will be able to provide a service leader to lead the funeral service and Shiva prayers, but this cannot be absolutely guaranteed.
Funeral
All members of Beth Shalom contribute to the Joint Jewish Burial Society (JJBS). The cost for this is shown on the membership invoice as a separate item. The JJBS is the burial society for Movement for Reform Judaism member synagogues, and transfer between member synagogues of JJBS is permitted.
JJBS membership covers the cost of the plot, undertaking, Tahara, and funeral costs at the Western Cemetery in Cheshunt, or at the Woodland Cemetery in Cheshunt, which offers a ‘green’ burial. It also allows for burial in Cambridge in our own section of the Huntingdon Road Cemetery, but there are some additional charges for this. The JJBS will also cover certain costs for cremation, either in London or in Cambridge. For more detailed information do not hesitate to contact the Chair of the Burial Committee.
Non-Jewish partners and non-Jewish children of Beth Shalom members are eligible to be buried in the Woodland Cemetery in Cheshunt, or adjacent to our section of the Huntingdon Road Cemetery in Cambridge. Non-Jewish partners who become Friends of Beth Shalom are also entitled to become members of the JJBS scheme. This does not affect where they may be buried, but will cover the same costs as for Jewish members.
Members who wish to register funeral wishes for themselves or for a family member for whom they have funeral responsibility can complete a Funeral Information Form.
This form is ONLY for Beth Shalom members and non-Jewish partners or children. The form can be filled out and returned electronically (preferably) to or sent by post.
