9 February 2020

More than 85 members of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) came together for a special Shabbat service to welcome the community’s newest faces.

Rabbi Richard Jacobi led a guitar-based family service to greet all the new arrivals, who also brought along family and friends.

Each new member was invited by Richard to read the blessings for the Torah. They were joined by the community’s barmitzvah and batmitzvah students, who also stuck a celebratory leaf on the ELELS Tree of Life to commemorate their coming of age.

Synagogue chair Stewart Spivack said: “I am so happy to chair such a wonderful growing and inclusive community – and look forward to welcoming many more new members during the coming months.

“And, of course, one never forgets the founders of our community who still tirelessly work for betterment of everyone.”