The United Synagogue

Midnight Selichot With The Chief Rabbi To Mark Hampstead Synagogue's First Service Since Major Renovation

PRESS RELEASE

London,
4th September 2009

MIDNIGHT SELICHOT WITH THE CHIEF RABBI TO MARK HAMPSTEAD SYNAGOGUE'S FIRST SERVICE SINCE MAJOR RENOVATION

A very special midnight Choral Selichot Service on Saturday 12th September will mark the first service to be held in Hampstead Synagogue since the major restoration of the beautiful grade II* listing building. The community will be joined by The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, who will give the pre-Selichot address.

Undertaking its first restoration since 1892, the Hampstead Synagogue embarked on the largest project of its kind ever undertaken by the United Synagogue in November 2007.The multi-million pound project has been largely self-financed by the community, with thanks to the exceptional generosity of a number of members.

The restoration included critical roof work and reparation to cracks in the walls; recreation of two turrets and a chimney; the rebuilding of stained glass windows, which will now be further enhanced by having exterior lighting at night for the first time; and the relaying of the mosaic floor due to subsidence. Outside of the main chamber, remodelled toilets, new disabled toilets, a small kitchen, a baby changing room and a redeveloped bridal room have all been included in this project.

The service on September 12th will be conducted by Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld and Chazan Jonny Turgel accompanied by the Shabbaton Choir led by Stephen Levey, with boy soloist Eli Baigel. The Chief Rabbi will be giving the pre-Selichot address at 11.30pm.

The President of the Hampstead Synagogue Mr Michael Haringman said: "After all the hard work that has gone in to this two year project, it is fitting that our first service in our restored synagogue will be the glorious midnight Selichot Service. Hampstead Synagogue is the ideal setting for a beautiful choral service and the inspiring words of the Chief Rabbi will add greatly to the occasion."

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EDITORS' NOTES: -

The Selichot Service

Selichot are Jewish penitential poems and prayers said in the period leading up to the High Holydays. The most popular night is the first night, the Saturday night before the Jewish New Year. Cantors sing elaborate melodies and are accompanied by a choir. The service is free and doors will be open from 10.45pm. The Chief Rabbi will start his address at 11.30pm prompt.

The Shabbaton Choir
The Choir was formed in 1986 under the musical direction of Stephen Glass. Stephen Levey has been conductor and musical director since 1991.


For further information, please contact:

Nikki Saunders
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6943
Email: us@theproffice.com

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May. 25th - 26th
5th Sivan
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Ends: 22:03
Sedra: Bamidbar

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