The Jacobs Affair – Statement by Chief Rabbi Dr. Israel Brodie, May 1964.

Sixty years ago, in 1964, the issue that shook and divided a large segment of Anglo-Jewry and  the middle-of-the-road orthodox United Synagogue was known as the Jacobs affair.  It pitted the Chief Rabbi, Dr. Israel Brodie, against the young and influential Rabbi and writer, Dr. Louis Jacobs, and it pitted the old, patrician leadership of … Continue reading The Jacobs Affair – Statement by Chief Rabbi Dr. Israel Brodie, May 1964.

The New West End Synagogue, London – Simchat Torah Service 1967, and Centenary Thanksgiving Service 1979.

Here are two interesting pieces of ephemera from the New West End Synagogue in St. Petersburgh Place, Bayswater. In 1967 Simchat Torah was advertised as a choral service, and the Choson Torah and Choson Bereishis (Bridegrooms of the Law - a ceremonial honour) were the Chazan (Cantor) Rev. Raphael Levy and his son, Mr. Elkan … Continue reading The New West End Synagogue, London – Simchat Torah Service 1967, and Centenary Thanksgiving Service 1979.

A Companion to the Authorized Daily Prayer Book of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Empire, London, 1922.

The quintessential Anglo-Jewish Hebrew and English Siddur, sometimes known as "Singers Prayer Book", was compiled by the Reverend Simeon Singer.  Rabbi Simeon Singer was born in London in 1846. He was educated at Jews College in London and while still there became a part-time Minister (in 1867 at the Borough Synagogue) and teacher.  He moved … Continue reading A Companion to the Authorized Daily Prayer Book of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Empire, London, 1922.

Order of Prayer for the Memorial Service for King George VI, at the New West End Synagogue, 15th February 1952.

This little item speaks for itself.  The Hesped - Memorial Address - was given by Dayan Grunfeld. Note the Hebrew version of Kayl Shmor Malkosaynu - God Save the Queen - at the end.