Welcome
About our Shul
HARROGATE HEBREW CONGREGATION
serves a vibrant Jewish community in and around the beautiful North Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate.
It is easy to find, nestling just opposite the well-known Betty’s tea shop.
Our Orthodox, relaxed community remains proudly independent. Known as The Welcoming Shul, it has built its reputation on its traditional ease of worship, independence within the Orthodox community and on friendship, decorum and respect for all. Our community also has the advantage of kosher facilities just 20 minutes away in Leeds.
We have many ‘country’ members, who keep holiday homes in the region. We also have the pleasure of welcoming out-of-towners and other visitors to our regular Shabbat (Saturday) services and events. With two world class concert halls and a renowned live theatre, our country idyll offers everything you need.
Do come visit our beautiful Shul building, located just a few moments walk from the handsome, bustling town centre.
What HHC has to offer
SERVICES are held on Shabbat (Saturdays) usually start at 10am and a regular service normally finishes at 12.30pm latest. Harrogate Hebrew Congregation benefits from a roster of visiting officiants who bring us a varied service, complemented by a knowledgeable lay leadership. The synagogue has bespoke and newly refurbished accommodation for visiting ministers and their families. Simchas, family celebrations, and anniversaries are frequent and, of course, key events including the High Holy Days are celebrated.
The synagogue was rebuilt over 50 years ago, with a modern yet traditional ambiance and with beautiful stained glass windows and bright ornamentation. Gentlemen who wish, can expect to be offered the honour of a call-up during a service (aliyah). Ladies can have the honour of reading the Royal Prayer. We are always happy for gentlemen to perform a Haftorah and this can be arranged in advance with our President Bernard Cohen.
Simchas, family celebrations, and anniversaries are frequent and, of course, key events including the High Holy Days are celebrated.
For more information, contact yvonne.harrogateshul@gmail.com or call 07496 358224.
EVERY Shabbat we have an excellent kiddush provided by our Ladies, which we all attend and swap the latest news (rather than during the service!) We also have regular enhanced kiddushim for a range of wonderful celebrations from birthdays to anniversaries, baby blessings and more..
For more information
on any event or function, please contact us or email yvonne.harrogateshul@gmail.com
Holocaust Memorial Day – the annual memorial service in Harrogate, organised by the Harrogate Hebrew Congregation is usually attended by the Mayor & Mayoress, the High Sheriff, our local MP and Deputy Lieutenant.
This event is open to both the wider Jewish audience, as well as welcoming non-Jewish visitors to the synagogue.
Lifecycle Events
A SHUL is the ‘heart’ of the community for the big occasions when you want your family and friends to celebrate with you.
We can also help and advise during those more difficult times, when you need a warm Jewish congregation around for support.
For more information on any event or function, contact yvonne.harrogateshul@gmail.com or call 07496 358224
Newsletter
Our regular newsletter circulates to members and friends. Email us NOW if you would like to receive it.
Weddings
BECAUSE OF the glamour of the town and the beautiful venues for a wedding, Harrogate boasts many simchas each month. You can make the day seamless by having the ceremony in our beautiful shul which can accommodate over 150 people. We have a mobile chuppah if you so wish. We can also offer you hire of our elegantly refurbished Stanley Burton banqueting hall at very reasonable rates.
Bar / Bat Mitzvahs
YOU NEVER FORGET your coming of age – the bar or bat mitzvah ceremony (or bat chayil if girls prefer.) While the service is timeless, the celebrations are bespoke! We would be delighted to help you work through all the important details to make this a truly memorable rite of passage into Jewish adult life.
Other simchas
WHETHER you have an anniversary, commemoration, birthday or any other time of significance in your life, it adds something special to be with a Jewish community that understands how important this moment is to you. Our comfortable, relaxed environment lends itself to a service you will not forget. You can add a kiddush, dinner or any kind of celebration. Contact yvonne.harrogateshul@gmail.com for more information in order that we can ensure you enjoy your big day to the full.
Membership
We offer a range of varying memberships – including country membership.
Our current fees are more than competitive and have only been increased twice in the past 15 years. Fees ares £230 each for Full Single Membership with the option to purchase burial rights.
A reduced fee of £115 each is available for Country Membership, per annum. This option does not allow burial or voting rights.
No seat is more than 20 yards from the Bimah.
The cost of purchasing burial rights would depend on your age at joining:
- Free below age 50,
- £250 each from 51 – 60
- £350 each from 61 – 70.
- Over 71 £500 each.
Heritage & School Visits
Harrogate Shul opens its doors to the public and welcome all comers to take a peek inside. Synagogue members are on hand to explain and answer questions. The beauty of the stained glass windows and scrolls, the prestigious history of the shul and more attract a wide variety of visitors. A delightful day for all. We’ll be sure to give you plenty of notice of next year’s event so you can invite your family and friends to look around and meet our open, friendly community.
Call ahead to book your school for a visit. We have a very busy programme of young people come through our doors to learn about our faith, traditions and the long-standing presence and contributions of Jews to the wider community.
If you would like to arrange a visit we’d love to accommodate you!
Schools, Scouts, Rotary, Probus and other diverse groups are amongst the many visitors we have.
For all enquiries please call 07496 358224 or email yvonne.harrogateshul@gmail.com
Contact Us & Directions
Please don’t hesitate to call Administration on 07496 358 224
We have many experienced religious and lay helpers we can call on, to support you when you need.
Harrogate Hebrew Congregation, St Mary’s Walk, Harrogate, HG2 OLW
DIRECTIONS: see Map below