Future of Finchley Progressive Synagogue

With regard to the LFA theme, ‘In Common’, our event is all about community. FPS is very much a community hub and the architectural plans we will be sharing demonstrate our ongoing plans to further develop as a useful, welcoming space to the wider community.

Our building is used by The Southover Partnership School during the week, providing a safe environment for children with behavioural and learning difficulties, and those on the edge of exclusion. Additionally, we host the Yaran club for Afghani women and we share the winter Shelter here with Homeless Action Barnet (and we have more projects in the works).

In a post-lockdown world, we must recognise the need to reconnect and support one another. At FPS, we wish to offer people a place to connect, to socialise, to feel safe and to have community in common.

We are hosting an event on Friday 16th June, before our ‘Shabbat Resouled’ service (with live music from our upbeat band) - all are welcome! The main activities of the evening will include:

- 'Sundowners' and a tour of the building, given by Rabbi Rebecca and other members of our
council
- Exhibition of the proposed improvements in our small hall and community conversation with
members of the synagogue council
- Insights from our architects from MillsPower Architecture, explaining the plans and the benefits they will have on the community's use of the building

Children will be offered the activity of planting flowers amongst the rose garden while adults go on tour of the building and explore architecture plans.

- Musical Shabbat service in our main hall (followed by light snacks)

This event represents an opportunity to make connections and to build relationships with the local community and is aimed at engaging said community in our ongoing plans to share our building in a meaningful way.