The Simcha tree stands along side the Tree of Life in the foyer of the synagogue.  Like the Tree of Life it was commissioned in 2006 and is hand formed out of pewter.  Each hand made leaf can be commissioned with an inscription to mark a special occasion such as an anniversary, Bar Mitzvah or wedding and will be an everlasting reminder of this event in your life.

The miracle of new life is a wonderful and enriching experience and at HRS we encourage parent's to add extra meaning  by this important event in their lives by having their new child blessed.  This will take place in the Synagogue, usually on Shabbat towards the end of the service and the Mother is asked to read the "The Mother's Prayer".

The most important life passage of Jewish childhood and adolescence is Bar Mitzvah for a boy and Bat Mitzvah for a girl.  It is about ritual maturity and about growing up as a Jew. It is about becoming a fuller member of the Jewish community and we hope, of Hendon Reform Synagogue. It is also about moral responsibility, about connecting to Torah, community and God.

 The essence of the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah at the age of thirteen is a call to the boy and girl to recite the blessings over the Torah. This can be accomplished at any time the Torah is read and in a way, marks the time that he or she can take their place in the congregation participating fully in the service.

Although many couples these days chose to hold their wedding ceremony at an outside venue, Hendon Reform Synagogue with our magnificant twin walls of stained glass windows and hand made "Chupa" [marriage canopy] will add a warmth and rich aura to the occasion.

Whether the ceremony takes place here or elsewhere, Rabbi Steven Katz will conduct the ceremony in the traditional manner, and in so doing make the occasion not only meaningful but joyful and memorable for all concerned.

The ceremony takes place under a Chupa which is often decorated with flowers and is a symbol of the hope to be built and shared by the couple. It is open on four sides, as was Sarah and Abraham's tent, in order to welcome friends and relatives in unconditional hospitality.

There are many beautiful customs and age old traditions that form part of a Jewish Wedding ceremony which are so symbolic and meaningful.

Whether you are attending a Wedding here as a guest or you are thinking of a Wedding at HRS for yourself, please read further.  If you would like advice on planning your own Wedding at HRS please  contact the Marriage Secretary on 0208 203 4168 who will be delighted to assist you. 

Losing someone we love presents us with possibly the most difficult set of emotions we ever have to deal with.  The Jewish way of mourning is both spiritual and  comforting. Traditionally we "sit Shiva" for seven days giving us a purpose each day and the support and love of family and friends whilst we slowly emerge from our deepest sorrow.

Meaning the commemoration of the death of a Jew by a mourner, i.e. the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased.  In Judaism, Yahrzeit aids those in mourning and keep alive the memory of a loved one. The anniversary of the death of a loved one is naturally a solemn day and Judaism helps the mourner experience this pain and also honours the memory of the deceased via Yahrzeit rituals.