In a landmark event for Judaism in Britain, nearly 200 attendees – including prominent religious and civic leaders – celebrated the dedication of Mosaic Jewish Community’s new home in Stanmore, north London.

The service was a testament to the Mosaic’s unity and diversity, and how it brings together three different Jewish congregations into a single community under one roof.

Harry Grant, Chair of Mosaic Reform Synagogue, said the dedication of the state-of-the-art building – which the Reform community shares with Mosaic Liberal Synagogue and Mosaic Masorti Synagogue in a unique partnership – was a “major milestone” for Anglo-Jewry.

Guests of honour included Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism Rabbi Josh Levy, Bishop of Willesden Rt Rev Lusa N’Senga-Ngoy, Mayor of Harrow Cllr Salim Chowdhury and Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg. They were joined by other clergy, councillors and representatives from the Metropolitan Police.

The service was led by Mosaic’s four clergy – Rabbi Rachel Benjamin (Liberal), Rabbi Kathleen de Magtige-Middleton (Reform), Rabbi Anthony Lazarus Magrill (Masorti) and Rabbi Anna Wolfson (Mosaic Development Rabbi).

It included the parading of the community’s Torah scrolls under a traditional chuppah (pictured), as well as prayers, songs and poetry readings.

Rabbi Rachel said: “This was a very special and moving occasion, to formally recognise our arrival in the building in Stanmore by, among other things, bringing the Torah scrolls from all three communities into the synagogue.

“MJC is an example of how Jewish communities of different denominations can work successfully together, and create a setting and programmes that benefit both our members and the wider community of which we are a part.”

Rabbi Kathleen added: “The dedication was a beautiful and joyful culmination of a process of realising a dream spanning more than a decade. It was also a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank those who have worked so tremendously hard, as we look forward to the future with enthusiasm and confidence.”

“The symbolic act of lighting the Ner Tammid by our member Mark Phillips, who ignited the first spark of the idea of Mosaic, was particularly poignant.”

The new Mosaic Jewish Community building, which was completed in 2022, serves as a vibrant centre for worship, education and community activities – fostering a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration.

The synagogue hall has a capacity of 600 people and can be reconfigured to provide up to 12 classes for the combined religion school.

The facility has also become a vibrant hub for the local community in Harrow, Bushey and beyond, hosting concerts, films, lectures, exhibitions and election hustings.