We still have a vibrant community and are open on Shabbas and Yom Tovim for services. We have always had a minyan, even though we regularly receive requests from the neighbouring shuls to assist them to form a minyan.

We celebrated our centenary during 2003 and were honoured by the presence of the Chief Rabbi who said "I'm glad to be home" which is what the Congregation of Jacob Synagogue is now. We have done our utmost to stem the rain from coming through, replaced the rotten flooring with concrete, installed new carpets and painted the interior. We had to call a halt to the ladies gallery due to modern local building and fire regulations. This vast undertaking we have accepted only by contacting the heirs of many of our founders, whose nameplates adorn the bima, aron kodesh and walls. We invite them to visit our shul occasionally, especially as we have our open day on Sunday 5th September and soon approaching the Yomim Neroim.

I have now been informed of a well kept secret, one of our stalwarts whose mother passed away recently, has with his 2 brothers, donated embroidered curtains to cover the Ark together with table coverings for the bima and Sefer Torah. These works of art were specially crafted in Israel and installed by the brothers. Everyone is overwhelmed by their thoughtfulness and generosity.

Looking forward to seeing you soon and wishing you a Shona Tova and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Chief Rabbi - Dr Jonathan Sacks
Photo by the East London Advertiser