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As with all vibrant synagogue communities, SWESRS enjoys a number of well supported activity groups. These are listed here with a brief description but many lead off to other pages where you can learn more.
The House Management Group (HMG)
The grounds of the South West Essex & Settlement Reform Synagogue house a complex of three buildings. The Administration, Functions Hall and Classroom Building, which is the oldest and was erected before the Synagogue moved onto the site in 1965. The Synagogue itself is the newest building and was completed in 1991. The Community and Youth Centre has recently been completely refurbished.
The management of this complex of buildings is probably equal to that of a small industrial estate. The job of the House Management Group is to look after the grounds and make sure that they are kept tidy with the lawn mowed, the weeds and other unwelcome vegetation kept under control. This is also important from the point of view of security. It is hoped to plant out the verges and flower beds to enhance the appearance of the grounds. Major work is underway to tighten up the security of the buildings, so as to ensure the safety of all our members.
The HMG is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the property as well as ensuring that the buildings are well maintained and kept in a proper state of repair and decoration. It also has responsibility for ensuring that Fire Regulations as well as Health & Safety requirements are complied with.
SWESRS Religious Action Committee (S-RAC)
S-RAC is involved with areas outside of the Synagogue and so it could be described as SWESRS Foreign Affairs Department. It hosts speakers on a range of appropriate subjects as well as multi-faith activities and small fund-raising events.
We have a twinned community in the FSU, Krasnodar, with whom we communicate by e-mail and occasional trips (the last in April 2003) We are represented on RSGB's Exodux 2000.
For our work with Israel, see our Israel Action Group below.
We have an involvement with and representation on various local inter-faith groups including the Council of Christians & Jews, Redbridge Council of Faiths, the Redbridge Racial Equality Council, the East London Three Faiths Forum and the Redbridge Faith Forum. Specifically we have close relations with St Peters Church, with whom we hold joint study sessions and joint fund-raising/social activities.
Members of SWESRS support St Francis Hospice and Haven House Childrens Hospice by volunteering and fund-raising.
Schemes to increase an awareness of ecological and environmental issues also come within the remit of S-RAC. Currently we collect for paper, glass, cans, batteries, mobile phones and glasses for recycling.
The Group does not see itself as an elite and would welcome more members.
Israel Action Group (IAG)
IAG does not get involved with party politics. It does not accept every action of the Israeli Government without question. It is not a fund-raising group, although there may be small campaigns it may wish to financially support.
There are four main areas in which it concentrates: --
Educational: there is a great need to create an awareness of both what is happening in Israel now and also the historical background which underpins the current conflict. This is done through lectures, workshops, exhibitions, fact sheets and in the Religion School.
- Lobbying: so much of what is reported in the media is slanted against Israel. Members of IAG monitor the press, radio and TV programmes and phone-in or write as appropriate.
- Contact : support for Israel and Israelis in practical ways; visits, twinning with the progressive Synagogue in Ashdod, links with the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism as well as positive promotion of Israeli goods to help combat the calls for boycotting shops that stock them.
- Social: people must see the positive side to Israel, not just its problems. This is done by celebrating Yom ha'Atzma'ut, Israeli dancing, food tasting, etc.
Education and Youth Committee
Our Education and Youth Committee decides our policies on all matters relating to the formal and informal educational work with our young people from under 5 years old up to the age of 18 years. It co-ordinates and oversees the Religion School, youth clubs, children's and family services, Bar and Bat Mitzvah tuition, the B'nei Torah scheme, and any other occasional or regular activities such as holiday activities, residentials, festival activities and our drama and music group.
Toddlers' Group
Our toddlers' group has been running for about a year, meeting on a Tuesday mroning during term time, under the leadership of mums who bring their children for a morning of fun and activities. They celebrate all the Jewish festivals with special parties and learn the appropriate songs.
The Guild
The Guild abandoned the prefix 'Ladies' some years ago in accord with the policy of equality for men and women. The Guild is active in all areas of synagogue life, hosting communal events, kiddushim as well as charitable and fundraising activities. It is generous in its donations and in its support to Leo Baeck College and Reform Synagogue Youth. It gives support to members at difficult times, and maintains and helps to beautify our Synagogue. The Guild also sponsors a weekly 'Keep Fit' class, and a tap dancing class.
Redbridge Jewish Cultural Society
The society meets approximately monthly in the Seminar Room or Functions Hall. It was set up in 1965, mainly to cater for the wider cultural needs of the synagogue membership, but is open to all as members/visitors. It provides a valuable link between the Synagogue and the wider community.
Friends and Ramblers (FAR)
For many years one of the Synagogue groups (typically the Cubs or Guides) would arrange a Matzah Ramble which was open to everyone. In 1983, on such a ramble, several members realised that they shared an enjoyment of walking which they had pursued as individuals, but which took on a new dimension as a group. FAR has not stopped walking. The group has grown by people bringing their friends and relations, who are not necessarily members of the Synagogue although all happen to be Jewish. It walks fortnightly on Sundays.
The Synagogue supports and is supported by a number of organisations:
The Movement for Reform Judaism
The Movement (then known as the Association of Synagogues in Great Britain) played a major role in the establishment of SWERS. It continues to provide help in many aspects of the running of this Synagogue which is represented on its Council and at its biennial Conference. SWERS and Settlement have in the past provided many of its lay leaders and rabbis.
Eastern Counties Association of Progressive Synagogues (ECAPS)
This Synagogue was the prime mover in setting up a regional organisation to provide, liaison and support between the various progressive synagogues in the wider locality.
Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS)
The Synagogue subscribes on behalf of the members to the JJBS who maintain a cemetery and provide burial and cremation facilities.
Clore Tikva School
The school which runs on pluralistic Jewish lines was established in 1999 with the help of several members of SWESRS. Many members send their children there and a substantial number of staff are also members of the synagogue, and so the links between synagogue and school are warm and friendly.
Board of Deputies
The Synagogue is represented by two deputies who provide liaison with the membership via reports to Council.
Jewish Care
Once a month we provide a service leader for Jewish Care's Vi and John Rubin House. Our youngsters visit to entertain around the festivals, taking fruit at Sukkot.
AHADA Bereavement Counselling
AHADA has trained and supervised volunteers who support bereaved members of the Jewish Community in Redbridge and neighbouring areas. Founded in 1986, AHADA limited its work to ECAPS Synagogues but in 1995 expanded to serve members of the local Jewish community, irrespective of synagogal affiliation.
The Synagogue has always encouraged the use of its buildings and facilities by the local community, and the following groups are among those who do so
Bridge - several groups play a strictly social game, and gambling on the premises is not permitted. Jewish Association of Cultural Societies (JACS) - a branch of the national organisation meets regularly at Oaks Lane. University of the Third Age (U3A) - the Synagogue has been pleased to offer accommodation to the local branch of U3A which runs a large number of classes on the premises.
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