Watford and Bushey Hebrew Congregation

Congregation Data

Watford and Bushey Hebrew Congregation

The congregation's synagogue, acquired in 1918, was in Leavesden Road, Watford.⁽ⁱ⁾ It is uncertain for how long the synagogue was maintained at this address as the congregation clearly experienced financial difficulties and, by 1920, it was stated that unless funds were forthcoming, it would be necessary to close the synagogue.⁽ⁱⁱ⁾ Presumably services (if any) thereafter were held in private homes.

March 1918⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾

The date of closure of the congregation is uncertain. Although it continued to be listed in Jewish Year Books until 1927^(iv), it probably became defunct some years earlier, although there were references in the press to Jewish Hebrew and Religious classes until at least 1926.^(v)

During World War II, the name "Watford & Bushey Hebrew Congregation" was also used by one of the short-lived congregations active in the area, but such congregation, which met at The Gables, Heathfield Road, Bushey, appears to have been unrelated to the earlier congregation of the same name.^(vi)

Orthodox - Ashkenazi

None known

Rev. Sidney M. Ellis - Reader, Secretary & Hebrew Class Teacher from 1918 until unknown date.^(vii)

At meeting held in August 1918, Mr. Finestone was elected Chairman, Mr. Stahl was elected Treasurer and Mr. M. R. Morris was elected Hon. Secretary.^(vii)

Although Mr. Morris is listed as Hon. Secretary in all Jewish Year Books from 1919 through 1927, this may not have reflected the correct situation, as on at least one occasion a press report provided details of someone else holding such office, namely Mr. H. Hittner in 1920.^(viii)

Notes & Sources (↵ returns to text above)

• (i) Jewish Chronicle press report 23 August 1918. ↵

• (ii) Jewish Chronicle press report 6 February 1920. ↵

• (iii) Jewish Chronicle press report 8 March 1918. ↵

• (iv) The congregation is listed in all Jewish Year Books from 1919 through 1927, with identical information, namely the name of the congregation (without an address) and the name of the Hon. Secretary, M.R. Morris and his address. ↵

• (v) Jewish Chronicle press report 19 February 1926. ↵

• (vi) Jewish Chronicle press report 30 May 1941. ↵

• (vii) Jewish Chronicle press report 23 August 1918. Rev. Ellis was previously assistant reader at Golders Green Synagogue. ↵

• (viii) Jewish Chronicle press report 6 February 1920. ↵