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 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 celebrate all the major (and some of the minor) festivals and often have a visiting student rabbi leading the High Holy Day services.
There is an active Kulanu group whose purpose is to welcome newcomers to the community and promote inclusion.
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.
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
Through an arrangement with Sheffield City Council, we administer our own cemetery within a section of a council cemetery. In addition to an area for Jewish internments, is an area for mixed burials where Jewish members can be buried with their non-Jewish partners (subject to conditions).
We also offer members' burial insurance through the Joint Jewish Burial Society (subject to conditions set by the JJBS).
We have no Chevra Kaddisha (a group that tends to the dead). Instead, local undertakers, familiar with Jewish traditions, assist with this.
Please go to the Contact Us page for any enquiries concerning this.
