The history of the congregation

Our congregation was founded in 1969 as the Stanmore Liberal Jewish Congregation. Meeting in local halls and homes, the original nucleus of 30 families grew rapidly. With the shift of the local Jewish population services became centred on the Elstree area and in 1977 the name was changed to Hertsmere to reflect this. The congregation then acquired the present Grade II listed building, a semi-derelict former village school, which was transformed by members working evenings and weekends to create the flexible synagogue, school and community centre we have today.

Extensive building works were completed in February 1998, adding a large entrance foyer. This foyer integrates the sanctuary and halls with the religion school and offices, as well as greatly enhancing the appearance and amenities on entering the Synagogue building. 

In 1993 we adopted a new Hebrew name - Ateret Tzvi, the Crown of Glory. The name captures our local connection, with Tzvi meaning hart or deer in Hebrew, which relates to the symbol of a deer used throughout Hertsmere. Our silverware, specially commissioned, bears the Hebrew name of the congregation. A mezuzzah was commissioned bearing the name 'Ateret Tzvi' and affixed to the new entrance at a rededication ceremony on the 7th February 1998. 

Within the Synagogue you will see our Tree of Life where we record the "life-cycle" events of the community, as well as our Memorial Board which helps us to remember the lives of those who are no longer with us.

In 2004 the congregation voted to change its name, and from September 2004 became The Liberal Synagogue Elstree.

TLSE Timeline

1969	Public meeting to found the Stanmore Liberal Jewish Congregation.
1970	First social events and services, led by lay readers and visiting Rabbis.
1971	Religion School founded. Rabbi Alan Mann appointed as part time Rabbi.
1972	HPS acquires a scroll from the destroyed community of Pardubice in Bohemia (approx 50 miles from Prague, through the Westminster Synagogue Memorial Scrolls committee.
1975	Rabbi Dr David Goldstein appointed as part time Rabbi. Choir founded by Ronnie Davis.
1976	Congregation name is changed to Hertsmere Progressive Synagogue. Current building acquired and refurbishment starts. Student Rabbi Kenneth Cohen serves HPS.
1977	Volunteers work to refurbish the building throughout the year.
1978	First Religion School classes meet in our building (April) and services start (September). Student Rabbis Bill Vine and Danny Gottlieb serve HPS.
1979	Building Consecrated.
1980	Rabbi Thomas Salamon appointed.
1981	Ark designed and crafted.
1984	Centenary celebration of the original construction of our building (1884).
1988	Rabbi Jonathan Black ordained and appointed to Hertsmere.
1989	Synagogue sanctuary refurbished, with the removal of the false ceiling and dividing doors.
1990	Kitchen completed in the archway formerly linking the two halves of the building.
1993	Hertsmere adopts the Hebrew name "Ateret Tzvi" - the Crown of Glory.
1994	HPS Silver Jubilee year. First congregation Israel trip lead by Rabbi Jonathan Black.
1998	HPS launches its first website.
1998	Major building works – the roof is fully retiled, dry rot eradicated in the school house, and the foyer is built.
1999	Clore Shalom School (sponsored by HPS) opens in Shenley.
2000	The library is refurbished with sliding doors to the sanctuary, allowing an extra 30 people to be seated for major events.
2002	Rabbi Black announces that he will be leaving the congregation at the end of the year to take up a post in Australia.
2003	Student rabbi Neil Janes serves the congregation for seven months. Rabbi Pete Tobias is appointed as full time Rabbi from September and is inducted in November.
2004	The sanctuary is refurbished and the stained glass ark doors by renowned artist Roman Halter are installed. The synagogue votes to changes its name to The LIberal Synagogue Elstree (effective September 2004)
2005	Further refurbishment is carried out throughout the building, with new flooring and refurbished toilets.

A Souvenir Brochure incorporating a 30 year review and extracts from Hakol throughout the life of the congregation was published for our 30th Anniversary Gala Dinner. Please contact the synagogue if you would like a copy.

Council Chairman

1970	Hugh Isaacs
1972	Maurice Haberman
1972	Gerry Dickson
1976	Irene Walters
1980	Terry Benson
1982	Gordon Woolf
1986	Harry Hurst
1989	Mike Beral
1993	Sheila Benson
1998	Penny Beral
2002	David Steinberg (vice-chairman)
2003	David Steinberg, Paul Miller (co-chairmen)
2004	David Steinberg
2005	Val Dickson, Richard Elman (co-chairmen)
2007	Val Dickson