ST ALBANS TO BECOME A FULL MEMBER OF THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE

St Albans Synagogue is to become a full member of the United Synagogue.    Members who attended an extraordinary general meeting last Sunday (July 10, 2011) voted overwhelmingly to approve a motion to switch from affiliated to constituent status.

In a reciprocal deal, the US is to make a substantial investment in the future of the congregation by agreeing to fund the employment of a young rabbinic couple who will take the community forward and make the city centre shul the hub of an expanding array of activities.    The community will also have access to the wide range of other benefits and facilities the US has to offer, including access to Tribe Community Membership..

Commenting on the move, St Albans Synagogue vice-chair Karen Appleby said that despite the shul’s long and distinguished history – it first became affiliated to the US more than 65 years ago – there was a need not to dwell on the past but to look forward.   “We want our community to grow, and by joining the US, we will have access to support and finances we would not otherwise have.    We are delighted that the United Synagogue shares our vision of the potential of the St Albans area as a magnet for Jewish families wanting to combine the benefits of living in a tranquil and appealing out-of-town environment with ease of access to London and all parts of the country.   The wide-ranging support the US is able to offer us as full members will undoubtedly help put St Albans on the Jewish map and enhance the attractions of our small but beautiful community. 

St Albans currently has about 130 members, half of whom are under 60.

Helping to put the case for the switch were David Kaplan, US Community Services Director, and Geoff Hartnell, on his last official outing as United Synagogue Treasurer.   Describing it as a “win-win situation” for the St Albans community, Mr Kaplan predicted that the “warm and friendly” shul could potentially be at the centre of a new tide of Jewish population growth in the South Hertfordshire area.   “We will be working together to make sure that this potential growth is realised”, he added. After the ‘yes’ vote was confirmed, Mr Hartnell paid tribute to the “tremendous cooperation” between the lay leadership of the St Albans community and the dedicated US Community Development Division.   “We are delighted to welcome the St Albans community as full constituent members,” he concluded.