THE LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY
The Western Marble Arch synagogue is a multi-purpose centre catering to the needs of a varied and flourishing Jewish community.
The impressive main synagogue is used for Shabbat and Yomtov services and it is a most popular venue for weddings and bar and bat-mitzvahs. Regular daily morning and evening services take place in the Mintz Bet Hamidrash. Apart from being a beautiful and intimate place to pray, it is an ideal space for quiet study and meditation, a welcome oasis in the heart of a busy city.
Visitors to Marble Arch may take time out to learn as well and the Yadgaroff Library has a wealth of educational literature as well as an impressive selection of rare and old books. Also worth a visit are the stained glass windows. The building houses one of the largest collections of its kind in Europe. The Hartog Gallery contains extensive and extremely valuable examples of historic Judaica.
The Bloomstein Hall which can seat 120 people is in frequent use for kiddushim, lunches, dinners, lectures and many educational and social events. It is available for hire for either meat or milk functions.
Two other distinct communities have found a happy home at Marble Arch. Since West End Great synagogue vacated its premises in Dean Street, the congregation has flourished happily within the building and its members hold their own Shabbat services in the Mintz Beth Hamidrash under the spiritual guidance of their Minister, Ari Cohen. Young professionals also enjoy regular Shabbat Sephardic services at Marble Arch.
Hebrew classes are held each week at the synagogue for children and also for adults. Marble Arch hosts regular lecture series. French speaking people in the locality have their own French speaking shiurim and Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld holds a weekly ladies shiur. Guest speakers at Marble Arch have included lawyers, journalists, senior Government ministers as well as comedians and many new exciting events are being planned for the future.
Marble Arch is a place for people of all ages. There is something for everyone whether it is spiritual, religious or social.