Welcome to the website of Hatch End Masorti Synagogue, also known as HEMS.  

 

HEMS is located in Hatch End, but we welcome members from a wide geographic area which spans Harrow, Pinner, Harrow Weald, Stanmore and Northwood. We are now a constituent synagogue within the new community being established in the Pinner/Hatch End area (see below).

 

Our own community, which last year celebrated 10 years,  is caring and inclusive; each individual is valued whatever their level of Jewish knowledge or observance. We are part of the Masorti movement, the fastest growing synagogue grouping in Britain today. Masorti is the Hebrew word for tradition and Masorti Judaism is traditional yet practised in a spirit of open-minded enquiry and tolerance.  

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We are fortunate in having as our part-time  minister  Rabbi Paul Arberman, who has made aliyah but spends one Shabbat per month at HEMS and is also present for the High Holydays. When in Israel Rabbi Arberman  maintains contact with HEMS using the internet (emails and Skype). Currently Rabbi Arberman combines his post  at HEMS with working in education in Israel.  

 

HEMS holds its services every Shabbat and on occasional Friday nights. Our popular Friday night services are a special time for the community to get together to enjoy each others company and to share in prayer. These services take place monthly at members’ homes and are followed by a delicious informal communal supper. We also organise a number of vibrant social activities for young people via the Masorti youth group NOAM. 

 

We are a constituent synagogue within the new community being established in the Pinner/Hatch End area. (The others are Harrow & Wembley Progressive, Middlesex New and Kol Chai.) Like the other synagogues HEMS will continue to be responsible for its own religious services, and will retain its distinctive Masorti character. The intention is that the new community should have its own building which will serve as a community centre. Within the building  HEMS will have its own designated space in which to conduct services. While services will be separate it is envisaged that there will be many joint activities and events.   

 

Please take a look around our website to find out more about our Synagogue and community. We would be delighted to answer any questions that you may have. See our contacts page for details of how to get in touch.