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SWERS played host to a brave attempt at reconciliation between Jews and Germans which provoked great controversy within the Synagogue, and much interest beyond. Several exchange visits were arranged, and some lasting friendships grew out of the confrontation.
Leaders progressed to leading roles in RSGB and associated organisations. SWERS has produced more rabbis (10) from among its congregants than any other Reform congregation.
A number of rabbis have served as Minister for different periods:
- Rabbi Alan Miller
- Rabbi Dow Marmur
- Rabbi Nicholas Ginsbury
- Rabbi Henry Goldstein
<With the growing acceptability of Reform and the establishment of SWERS' reputation as an active synagogue, more and more local Jews were seeking membership for a whole range of reasons. The together as a family, and the use of the English language in services attracted a number of new members in addition to those seeking a specifically Reform ethos. Membership grew at a net rate of about 3% p.a., reaching over 1000 units. Eventually it was felt necessary to limit the size of the community and the establishment of Epping Forest (Buckhurst Hill) District Reform Synagogue (Now Sukkat Shalom) was promoted.
<With the growth in membership, High Holyday services could never be accommodated in the Synagogue, but the congregation has resisted the option of dividing between locations, preferring the use of a marquee on site, or, more usually, the Walthamstow Assembly Hall. A special service was devised for Rosh Rashana second day and introduced on an experimental basis to explore the possibilities. That service format has now been adopted for the second day which has gradually been accorded religious status.
At different times, various groups became established in response to the plight of Israel or Jews in the Soviet Union. These groups were supportive in times of hardship, but folded when the threat was no longer apparent.
In the 1980s, SWERS elected its first woman chairman, Rita Williams, who was extensively involved in interfaith and antiracist work in the local community. A biennial concert is now held in Rita's memory, and performers from many local religious or ethnic organisations appear.
In 1986, as part of its 30th Anniversary Celebration, a "Family Ties" exhibition was held, in which many member families traced their ancestry and displayed panels of photographs and other memorabilia.
The planning and preparation for a purpose built synagogue was a major activity between 1984 and 1991. The official proposal from Synagogue Council for a programme of refurbishment and modest extension to the multipurpose hall had been opposed by a group of members who were convinced that a new synagogue could be built as originally envisaged when the land had been first obtained. A presentation to demonstrate the viability of the scheme was accepted subject to raising half of the necessary finance within two years. In practice it took a further six months, but the enthusiasm of the membership had been fired. Schemes for fundraising, an architects' competition, and a full consultation of the membership followed, leading eventually to the design. Building costs were escalating, and it was necessary to prune the original design. The interior of the resulting building creates a remarkable visual impact. The project put a tremendous economic strain on the community, from which it is now emerging.
SWERS was pleased to host the 1996 RSGB Annual Lecture, given by Yael Dayan M.K., in its newlybuilt synagogue.
The history of SWERS was concluded with the Merger Ceremony in 1997 in which the Torah Scrolls from the Settlement Synagogue were paraded and formally placed in the Ark which had been remodelled to accommodate them. An exhibition featuring the histories of the two separate communities formed the background to the celebration which followed.
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