About us
Founded by a group of dedicated Masorti parents in 2018, The Havurah is a warm, inclusive and vibrant Masorti community based in and around Finchley. We are an intimate, growing community of 25-35 young families with children primarily aged 3-14. We value creativity, joy, learning, and meaningful connection.
The Havurah seeks to offer an alternative to the traditional synagogue setting, where family- and child-centred engagement is key, exploring innovative ways to create intergenerational prayer, education, and community.
With the support of Masorti Judaism, the Havurah has grown into a vibrant, thriving community with regular and inspirational programming characterised by purpose and engagement.
We are pleased to be able to support families applying for places at jewish schools with the appropriate certification required.
From uplifting Kabbalat Shabbat gatherings in our members’ homes, to our matzah rambles in the woods and Chanukah parties in a hired space, as well as our re-imagined shabbat baboker (morning) services, The Havurah offers something for everyone and somewhere to belong.
Our commitment to you
We will support you through life’s ups and downs.
We will give you a space to celebrate your Jewish life, to mark the Jewish festivals in style and a place to celebrate Shabbat and your Jewish milestones.
We want to help you find a Judaism that’s right for you, and join you in your Jewish journey.
We will be there for parents striving to teach children about their Judaism. No matter your family make-up, we are passionate about co-creating a loving community which teaches a faithful and caring Judaism to the next generation.
“The Havurah is a place for us to play out our Jewishness in all of its expressions in a way that feels authentic and meaningful for our family. By being active members of the Havurah we feel like we have ownership and input into how this part of our family life can look and feel.”
Programming
The Havurah delivers a range of programming throughout the year to meet the needs of our diverse community.
We’d love to hear what activities you would like to run, offer or suggest, please get in touch.
Jewish Life Cycle
Judaism offers stewardship through life’s milestones, from birth until death:
Our community has welcomed new babies and with great joy we have celebrated the new arrivals through baby blessing ceremonies.
We can provide families with certification of religious practice for applications to schools.
We are proud of our new B’nei Mitzvah programme a preparation course of study for students in the run up to Bar/Bat/Bnei Mitzvah (coming of age celebration)
Our Rabbi has officiated at the weddings of members, marrying them under the auspices of Masorti Judaism.
Our membership includes access to the Jewish Joint Burial Society, a burial scheme which ensures that members of our community who pass away have their burial taken care of.
Jewish Calendar
We love Shabbat and our Jewish festivals - come and celebrate with us:
We run events and activities for all the Jewish festivals for all ages, offering adult learning, prayer options, educational children’s activities, delicious communal meals and sometime even music.
Each month we invite you to a joyful Shabbat morning (Shabbat BaBoker) where we sing together, learn together and eat together.
Join us for Havdallah after Shabbat or Kabbalat Shabbat on a Friday evenings.
Learning
We offer Jewish educational programming for adults and Havurah members are welcome to sign up to our local New North London Synagogue for cheder classes for junior school-aged children.
Get involved
Participation in the Havurah can be a dynamic and energetic pursuit. As a fledgling community, we actively listen to our members and our programming is constantly evolving in response to their voices. We are delighted to benefit from the wisdom and enthusiasm of Rabbi Oliver Joseph and several other experienced Jewish educators. Apart from Rabbi Oliver, all our planning and programming is delivered by wonderful teams of volunteers. If you would like to get involved in any part of our thriving community, no matter how much, we would love to hear from you; please just raise your hand and we will work with you to find a suitable role.
Social Activism
Having a positive impact on our wider society is a core value of our community. Whether it’s partnering with other community organisations to provide care packages and food for homeless people in London, collecting donations for jewish communities in Ukraine or active outreach to advance interfaith dialogue, our community seeks to show up for people in need.
Annual Camping Trip
Each summer, we invite our community to participate in a weekend camping trip, where families can build relationships with one another, run wild and enjoy delicious food, all whilst engaging with our Judaism in a beautiful setting.
The 2026 Havurah Camping trip takes place from 10 - 12 July.
“Havurah makes me feel grounded and connected to Judaism. I have a place and a community with whom to celebrate important big life events alongside small life events.”