Wessex Liberal Jewish Community


We are a very friendly group, and our Bournemouth based synagogue services are open to all Jews, partners of Jews, prospective converts, and other visitors. We attract members from neighbouring Poole and Christchurch but also Weymouth, Salisbury, Southampton and Havant.

Please click on the Contact Us page and fill in the simple form.

Or just email us: secretary.wljc@gmail.com


HISTORY & DEVELOPMENT

Our community was established in July 2010. We are run by a committee of elected trustees, known as the Council. Liberal Judaism supplied us with a visiting Rabbi once a month, and the variety and perspectives these Rabbis and student rabbis brought to our small community gave us the vision and support to mature as a community.

We have developed very much as a consequence of the combination of our own efforts plus support from Liberal Judaism. We have adopted a constitution, become a registered charity, hold regular (usually fortnightly) Shabbat services, High Holy Day services, are members of a Jewish burial society (JJBS) to pay towards burial or cremation, and have our own burial plot. We are quite a ‘DIY’ community:

  • members prepare and lead services and ensure the smooth running and development of the community;

  • we have a hard-working Kiddush Team and washing-up volunteers;

  • a professional teacher gives educational support for children;

  • newsletter/website editor;

  • security team volunteers;

  • we collect food for the local food bank on a regular basis, and contribute to Mitzvah Day projects; for more information on the UK's largest faith-led day of social action please click on this link: https://mitzvahday.org.uk/

  • Wessex LJC is a member of Bournemouth Jewish Representative Council and a has its own Community Page in 'Wessex Jewish News'