Federation of Synagogues facts for kids
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| Formation | 1887 |
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| Headquarters | Hendon |
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The Federation of Synagogues is a Jewish organization in Britain. Its main office is in Hendon, London. It connects 19 main Jewish communities and seven other linked communities.
This group helps its member synagogues (Jewish places of worship). It also has a special Jewish court called a beis din. This court helps with Jewish law and family matters. The Federation also has a Burial Society. It runs a Kosher Food Licensing organization too. This group makes sure food is prepared according to Jewish dietary laws.
The dayonim (judges) of the Federation's Beis Din are well-known experts. They can discuss matters of halacha (Jewish law). This court also handles civil cases and family issues like marriage.
The main rabbi of the Federation's beis din is Rabbi Shraga Feivel Zimmerman.
Contents
History of the Federation
How the Federation Started
The Federation of Synagogues began in 1887. It was mainly thanks to Samuel Montagu MP. He later became the first Lord Swaythling. Montagu was a successful banker. He was also very religious and generous.
He saw a need to bring together many small Jewish groups. These groups had grown in London's East End. Many Jewish people had moved there to escape unfair treatment in Imperial Russia.
Early Challenges and Growth
The new arrivals and the existing English Jewish community had some difficulties. The immigrants were unsure about the religious practices of the English Jews. The English Jews, who were wealthier, sometimes looked down on the newcomers. Even though the immigrants were now the majority, they had little say in community matters.
About 50 years later, a famous Jewish historian, Cecil Roth, wrote about the Federation. He said it was "amongst the greatest and most generous Jewish religious organisations in the world." He also noted its strong focus on traditional values.
Modern Revival and Impact
More recently, another historian, Geoffrey Alderman, shared his thoughts. He said the Federation has become much stronger in recent years. It has grown in London and Manchester. It also has a very respected Beis Din in Europe.
Lord Samuel Montagu wanted the Federation to offer central services. This was for small Jewish communities who wanted to stay independent. They could still get support from a larger group. This idea is still working well today. Younger generations often prefer smaller, cozier synagogues. They like to play a bigger role in these smaller communities.
Presidents of the Federation
- 1887: Nathan Rothschild
- 1888: Samuel Montagu
- 1911: Louis Montagu
- 1928: Morry Davis
- 1945: Aaron Wright
- 1948: Jack Goldberg
- 1951: Morris Lederman
- 1989: Arnold Cohen
- 2001: Alan Finlay
- 2014: Andrew Cohen
Working with the Government
Speaking Up for the Community
In 1946, Rabbi Dr Yaacov Kopul Rosen spoke for the Federation. He testified before the Anglo-American Commission of Inquiry on Palestine. He asked them not to "play politics with the remnants of the Jewish people." This meant he wanted them to treat the Jewish people fairly.
Religious Schools and Beliefs
In 2019, the Federation worked with the UK government. This was about how religious schools could separate genders. They wrote to the Education Secretary, Damian Hinds. They stated that "Under no circumstances will Charedi schools dilute their passionately held beliefs." This showed their strong commitment to their religious principles.
