Stanmore is a modern orthodox community following Minhag Anglia tradition where all are welcome and indeed all are welcomed.
We offer regular services throughout the week and on Shabbat and Yom Tov. There is no fixed seating in the main shul on Shabbat or Yom tov (including the Yamim Noraim) so men and women are free to seat where they like. Women’s seating is provided in the gallery. Women with access needs have a section at the rear downstairs. On Shabbat and Yom tov we are always seeking out new faces to welcome them and, where appropriate, offer a mitzvah.
Weekday services are held in the Beit Midrash and are led by members of the community. If you are saying Kaddish – men and women – you will always find a friendly minyan to attend. Please ask if you need support to say kaddish.
Shabbat services in Stanmore start with a rousing Kabbalat Shabbat davening on Friday evening led by our very own Chazan Jonny Turgel. This service takes place in the Beit Midrash, everyone sings along and it’s a wonderful atmosphere. In the summer months the service is preceded by a Malt whisky ‘L’chaim and schmooze’ which takes place a half an hour before the start of the service. In the winter months, when davening is earlier, we have a short (10 minute) D’var torah at the end of the service, the Chazan also introduces ‘themed’ tunes during Kabbalat Shabbat and the ‘Malt whisky L’chaim (in winter with chicken soup)’ takes place after the service. It’s a great way to start Shabbat, for Men, Women and children and is hugely popular amongst members and non-members alike.
On Shabbat morning the service takes place in the main shul. We start at 9am with Pesukei d’Zimrah and aim to finish between 11.30 and 11.45, depending on what’s happening on the particular morning. Again, we are fortunate to have the services of Chazan Jonny Turgel who is very focused on congregant engagement. Congregants are encouraged to join in the service wherever possible. To this end the Chazan regularly shares tunes with the congregation though our web site so that members are better able to participate. The service is always followed by Kiddush where the whole community come together for social interaction.
Our services are spiritually uplifting and offer a warm, welcoming and embracing experience for all.
See other pages for information about Tzemach, Women’s Tefillah group, Sephardi and Youth and children’s services.