The Congregation of Jacob Synagogue, also known as Kehillas Ya’akov, is a “valuable and venerable relic of Anglo-Jewish social history” and “one of England’s last intimate folk-art Eastern European synagogues” (Dr Sharman Kadish).

Kehillas Ya’akov was the first Mizrachi Synagogue in Britain, founded in 1903. The original congregation consisted of first generation immigrants from Eastern Europe; and was founded on the merger of Chevra Yisroel, Bikur Cholim and Steziver Synagogue, moving into our current premises in 1921.

Today we are diverse, with members from all types of trades and backgrounds. We are affiliated to three burial societies, Adath, Chesed Ve’emeth and Federation, but we are most proud of the fact that we retain our independence, reflected by the fact that the synagogue is owned, managed and maintained by members of the community. Kehillas Ya’akov “is a remarkable survival … and is all the more exceptional for continuing in use as a synagogue” (English Heritage Report).

We are a friendly group, truly offering a hearty welcome to anyone who comes through our doors. We are currently embarking on a regeneration project; to restore not only the original beauty of our building but also the community that it serves. Kehillas Ya’akov needs support. And that is why we are launching this appeal to attract new members.

Independent Synagogues