WCLS is a warm and friendly Jewish community with a unique history and heritage. The congregation was established in the heart of Central London in 1928 by the remarkable Hon. Lily Montagu, daughter of Lord Swaythling, and one of the three founders of Liberal Judaism in this country.

At that time, there were many Jews who were employed in the fashion and retail trades, in which Saturday morning work was obligatory for all. Sadly, this requirement excluded most of them from participating in any type of Jewish worship. Recognising the loss that this represented for these hard-working people, Miss Lily, as she was affectionately called, set herself the goal of finding a way to give the gift of Shabbat back to them. Her solution was the West Central Liberal Synagogue, with its unique service time of 3:00 pm Saturday afternoons.

Much has changed since Miss Lily's day, but the ethos that inspired the founding of the congregation remains. We continue to seek ways to give the gift of meaningful Jewish observance to all those who cross our threshold. Our services are intimate and inclusive. All men and women are encouraged to play full and equal roles in the religious and social life of the synagogue. We pride ourselves on warmly welcoming the non-Jewish partners and friends of our congregants, as well as those who come as part of a personal spiritual quest.

WCLS is proud to be a part of Liberal Judaism.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites