About us
About us
We have an open and questioning approach to traditional Jewish beliefs and customs and we encourage informed choice in matters of ritual observance, while seeking to respect the sensitivities of the most observant amongst us. We welcome Jews of any sexual orientation and with any gender identity, from any denominational background, and with any level of Jewish knowledge (including those with no Jewish education at all) as well as non-Jewish family members and other non-Jews.
We have an open and questioning approach to traditional Jewish beliefs and customs and we encourage informed choice in matters of ritual observance, while seeking to respect the sensitivities of the most observant amongst us. We welcome Jews of any sexual orientation and with any gender identity, from any denominational background, and with any level of Jewish knowledge (including those with no Jewish education at all) as well as non-Jewish family members and other non-Jews.
Shabbat services
Shabbat services
We typically hold three services each month, two on a Friday night and one on a Saturday morning. Since the COVID-19 pandemic we have been holding one of the Friday night services on Zoom. Members of the community lead the services, using the Movement for Reform Judaism “Forms of Prayer” siddur, in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew and English. Sometimes we hold non-traditional services, or an oneg Shabbat with shared food, singing and dancing.
We typically hold three services each month, two on a Friday night and one on a Saturday morning. Since the COVID-19 pandemic we have been holding one of the Friday night services on Zoom. Members of the community lead the services, using the Movement for Reform Judaism “Forms of Prayer” siddur, in Hebrew, transliterated Hebrew and English. Sometimes we hold non-traditional services, or an oneg Shabbat with shared food, singing and dancing.
Festivals
Festivals
We celebrate all the major (and some of the minor) festivals and often have a visiting student rabbi leading the High Holy Day services.
We celebrate all the major (and some of the minor) festivals and often have a visiting student rabbi leading the High Holy Day services.
Kulanu
Kulanu
There is an active Kulanu group whose purpose is to welcome newcomers to the community and promote inclusion.
There is an active Kulanu group whose purpose is to welcome newcomers to the community and promote inclusion.
Other activities
Other activities
The Jewish book group meets every six to eight weeks, and the Rosh Chodesh (new moon) group - for women and non-binary and trans people who are comfortable in a space centring women's experience - every month. We organise ad hoc workshops, concerts, film screenings, bagel brunches and excursions. Many members of the shul are involved in interfaith activities in Sheffield.
The Jewish book group meets every six to eight weeks, and the Rosh Chodesh (new moon) group - for women and non-binary and trans people who are comfortable in a space centring women's experience - every month. We organise ad hoc workshops, concerts, film screenings, bagel brunches and excursions. Many members of the shul are involved in interfaith activities in Sheffield.
Conversion
Conversion
We can offer support in the conversion process for any committed individuals. Typically we would expect people wishing to convert to attend and be active in services and events, and become an associate member of the shul before being invited to have an interview with a rabbi with a view to being accepted on to a conversion course online, or in Leeds or Manchester.
We can offer support in the conversion process for any committed individuals. Typically we would expect people wishing to convert to attend and be active in services and events, and become an associate member of the shul before being invited to have an interview with a rabbi with a view to being accepted on to a conversion course online, or in Leeds or Manchester.
Funerals, burials and cremations
Funerals, burials and cremations
We administer our own Jewish cemetery through an arrangement with Sheffield City Council and participate in the Joint Jewish Burial Society insurance scheme that is available to full members of the shul. Cremations are also permissible, and it is possible for members to be laid to rest with their non-Jewish partners. We can advise on funerals held in accordance with Reform Jewish practice in the UK; for information and advice on funerals held in accordance with Orthodox Jewish practice, please contact sheffieldsjcc@gmail.com.
We administer our own Jewish cemetery through an arrangement with Sheffield City Council and participate in the Joint Jewish Burial Society insurance scheme that is available to full members of the shul. Cremations are also permissible, and it is possible for members to be laid to rest with their non-Jewish partners. We can advise on funerals held in accordance with Reform Jewish practice in the UK; for information and advice on funerals held in accordance with Orthodox Jewish practice, please contact sheffieldsjcc@gmail.com.