Radlett Reform and Liberal Synagogue Elstree discuss merger of equals

Two Hertfordshire synagogues will each hold separate votes on 29 January on a proposed merger to form a single Progressive Judaism community while keeping two locations and avoiding redundancies.

Radlett Reform Synagogue and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree are asking members to vote on a proposed merger that would create a single Progressive Judaism community while operating from two sites. Informal talks began last year and the communities say they have collaborated closely for nine to ten months. Chairs Spencer Grant and Leigh Renak say the plan is not a rationalisation and that no buildings are planned for sale. The proposal aims to serve the combined 830 families and to enhance community engagement and resources. Key details: - A vote is scheduled for 29 January, with each community holding a separate Extraordinary General Meeting to approve trustees' permission to merge. - Leaders state the plan intends to keep both buildings in use and that there will be no redundancies. - The two synagogues are roughly three miles apart and together serve families from Bushey, Elstree, Borehamwood, Shenley, Radlett, Watford and St Albans. - A steering group and five working parties have developed the overall vision and many operational details. - Senior rabbinical teams named include Paul Freedman, David Yehuda-Stern and Elisheva Salamo at Radlett, and Gershon Silins and Anna Wolfson at The Liberal Synagogue Elstree. Summary: If approved, the two congregations would form a single Progressive Judaism community while continuing to offer services across both locations and maintaining both liberal and reform service options. The immediate next step is the separate EGMs on 29 January where members will vote on the trustees' authority to merge. Leaders say the aim is increased engagement and shared resources for the combined community.