If you have never been to a Reform synagogue, you may find some aspects of the Service different although most will be reassuringly familiar. Some of these are:

There is no reserved seating and no segregation of the sexes. Families sit and pray together. Women play an equal part in the services, as they do in all areas of community life.

Services are conducted in Hebrew (using the Sephardi pronunciation, as in Israel) and in English.

Our Services begin later and tend to be shorter than in traditional synagogues. The congregation is encouraged to arrive on time and the style of the Service promotes full participation while the dignified and decorous atmosphere creates a rewarding experience for all.

Services are led by Rabbi Maurice Michaels and/or Rabbi Michael Pertz, with the assistance of members of the community.  They generally follow the RSGB Siddur and Machzor, with occasional variations.

A large mixed choir with organ accompaniment leads the sung parts of Shabbat, Festival and High Holyday services, (but has a rest on Friday evenings).

Children’s Services
Once a month, a lively and popular Family Service is held on a Shabbat evening which gives our children and their families the opportunity to participate fully in the service and singing. This service also features the Junior Choir. It is normally held on the 2nd Erev Shabbat of the month at 6.45pm. Shabbat mornings feature two separate services for children. Little People's Services are for children between the ages of 0 and 5 and their parents, and are held monthly on the last Shabbat of the month at 10.45am. The Shabbat Shalom Club is for children aged 6-10 and is also held on the last Shabbat morning of each month at 10.45 a.m. Children are encouraged to take part in these Services to improve their Synagogue skills in a fun and relaxed environment.

Lifecycle Events
Bar/Bat Mitzvah and B'nei Torah are traditionally celebrated within the context of the Shabbat service. For adults who did not celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a programme leading to an Ish/Eshet Mitzvah celebration has been specially developed.

Other special additions to the main services are baby blessings and the welcoming into the community of converts to Judaism:

1. Baby Blessing
   This ceremony, which is part of our Shabbat service, enables both parents to thank God for the safe delivery of their child and enables grandparents, relatives and friends to share this precious moment with members of our congregation.
2. Conversion
   Judaism is not a missionary religion, but it welcomes those who wish to attach themselves to the Jewish faith if they already have a Jewish partner or they wish to convert for other personal reasons. The Synagogue offers a conversion course for those wishing to convert to Judaism, while those who are not yet sure but wish to "dip their toe into the water" are equally welcome. The course is also open to those who have a Jewish partner and who want more information as to Jewish family life; even if they know they do not wish to convert. The course lasts 12-15 months and covers the "abc" of Judaism, including: -
   • The Sabbath
   • Festivals
   • Home rituals
   • Synagogue
   • Rituals
   • Prayer
   • The Bible
   • Rabbinic Literature
   • Cycle of Life
   • Kashrut
   • Calendar
   • Israel
   • Reform
   • Judaism
   • Values
   • Jewish history