“While it is possible to pray anywhere it is more difficult if the atmosphere of devotion has to be created unaided. On their own a person has to be in the mood for prayer; they have to struggle, to get in tune with the Infinite amid the many distractions of modern life. In Synagogues, in which generations of Jews have poured out their hearts in worship, the atmosphere is there already.” (Rabbi Louis Jacobs, Jewish Prayer, slightly reworded).
We come together in prayer, the weak to gain strength and the strong to remind themselves of the fragility of what they possess. The old come to remember, the young come to learn. Everyone enjoys the celebrations, everyone observes the moments of mourning; burdens are lightened and highs are heightened because we pray as a community.
At New London we enjoy traditional liturgy done well. Prayerful song is special to us and we’ve been blessed by great Ba’alei T’filah – masters of prayer – in our 50 year history. As well as Chazanim we have a growing number of members who regularly lead services, read from the Torah and chant Haftarah. There are often courses and other opportunities to develop skills.
We follow a traditional service. Prayers are almost exclusively in Hebrew and are led classically, using the correct Nusach, from the Singer’s Siddur. Our services are egalitarian and feature mixed seating on alternate weeks (generally the second and fourth of the calendar month) and male-lead, with separate seating on other weeks.
To hear more, come join us.