“Don’t say, ‘I shall study when I find the time’, because you may never find time.” (Hillel)
Torah Lishmah — learning Torah for its own sake — is still the foundation of Jewish life. Educational excellence is the mark of a synagogue that sets itself apart from others, and is a chief priority for Belsize Square Synagogue, for adults as well as children.
Our thriving Cheder nurtures our young, and instills them with pride in their Jewish heritage, guiding them through to Bar and Batmitzvah. Keren’s Nursery, a third party nursery located inside the synagogue, provides Ofsted Outstanding Jewish education to our thriving community.
For adults, there are weekly discussion groups on a variety of topics, and lectures and other educational events are scheduled during the year. Led by our Rabbi, who holds a doctorate in Jewish history as well as rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary, we have studied the Psalms, Talmud and Islam from a Jewish perspective at our Adult Discussion Group. Besides the Sunday morning track, we have an evening programme each spring, including classes in Modern Jewish History and the Movements of Judaism (Reform, Orthodox and Masorti/Conservative Judaism).
Our portfolio is expanded by guest speakers with timely presentations on politics and religion, and classes to be taught by the Cantor on Torah chanting and synagogue skills. All of our congregants are invited to attend our weekly Monday night “Introduction to Judaism” class.
Click on the appropriate heading to see what we offer.