Kingston, Surbiton and District Synagogue is an Orthodox Jewish community in South London, and prides itself on its warmth and friendliness. It is situated near the River Thames, just south of Kingston town centre and Kingston University. It has a full-time Rabbi, and a thriving social and cultural life. It is a member of the United Synagogue.
Family events are celebrated, including monthly Birthday Shabbatot, and the Care Committee ensures that lonely and housebound members are not forgotten. There is a fortnightly Riverside Club where elderly members are brought to the Synagogue for a day of good food, entertainment and company.
Services are held on Shabbat and Festivals, and there are also morning minyanim on Sundays, Thursdays, Rosh Chodesh and for yartzeits.
It has a successful Cheder that caters for children from 5 to 15 years, with students achieving high grades in the GCSE examination, which they take a year early. JLGB meet regularly in the Synagogue.
The Rabbi leads a programme of Jewish learning for members and there are monthly Lunch and Learn sessions at the Rabbi’s home. The Rebbetzen hosts a very popular Tea and Tefillah discussion once a month during the Shabbat service.
Many interests are catered for, including Israeli dancing, a monthly Book Circle, a walking group and bridge lunches which are arranged by Kingston WIZO. There are also cultural events at the Synagogue.
School parties visit regularly and the community takes an active part in interfaith events in the Borough. As part of Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations in January, more than 1,200 students aged 14-15 years are hosted by our Synagogue and Kingston Liberal Synagogue, to hear from a survivor or their relative about the Shoah.
