About HWPS

Founded in 1948, what was then known as the Wembley and District Liberal Synagogue reflected a desire amongst a group of pioneers of Progressive Judaism in North West London, to bring a modernised form of Jewish worship to the northern suburbs of London. In 1946, Max Salter, the community's founder and first President was approached by the ULPS and as a result of an open meeting at the Wembley Town Hall, the "Wembley & District Liberal and Progressive Group" was formed. Services were initially held at a variety of locations and then, following rapid growth in membership, these pioneers transformed the tranquil Preston Lawn Tennis Club on Preston Road into a warm and welcoming progressive Jewish community - a place of worship, a centre of learning and a meeting place for members of all ages. A bid of £1,700 was sufficient to secure five hard courts, a putting green and a small wooden pavilion. At a cost of £1,600, a brick built hall with a seating capacity of 200 was erected. In 1965, a permanent Synagogue was built with a major extension in 1978. In 2003 the Synagogue embarked on a new phase of development, selling 2/3s of its existing site and investing in a new building on the remaining 1/3rd of the site. It is a modern new 2 floor building and was completed in September 2004.

Our first Rabbi was Vivian Simmons, followed by Bernard Hooker, Fred Pomerantz, Albert Friedlander, David Goldberg, Harry Jacobi, Charles Middleburgh and now, of course, our present minister, Frank Dabba Smith. To all of them and to past Chairmen and to all the members who have served on Council and Committees over the years, we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.

Services are held each Shabbat (Erev on Fridays at 7.00pm and Shabbat morning services each Saturday at 11.00am), and for all the Festivals, and there is a Communal Seder each Pesach. We use a modern liturgy and have a professional choir, both of which enable all congregants to pray with sincerity and warmth.

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