Who we are

Kehillah North London is a thriving and diverse Jewish community, based in Stoke Newington. We are proud of our inclusive, friendly and innovative approach to building an intergenerational Jewish community. Our members come from many different Jewish backgrounds, we seek to ensure that no one is marginalised, and we welcome all into our walls.

Who we are

Who we are

A young woman with curly brown hair, wearing a gray turtleneck and a light-colored jacket, sitting on a wooden bench outdoors near a cafe with a green window frame, during evening with blurred lights in the background.

Kehillah is a warm, creative community for people who want Jewish life that feels grounded, welcoming and alive. We gather for Shabbat and festivals, learning, music and mutual care. We are part of Progressive Judaism in the UK, and we live its core values in practice, including full inclusion of LGBTQI+ members and families, mixed heritage and interfaith families, and a commitment to equality, learning, social justice, accessibility and pluralism.

Our (Progressive) foundations

Our (Progressive) foundations

People participating in a Jewish ceremony under a canopy, with men wearing prayer shawls and kippahs, and a woman holding the canopy poles, while a man with a guitar stands behind them.

Progressive Judaism has deep roots in North London. When North London Progressive Synagogue closed, a group of local Jews began shaping a new community that honoured tradition while making space for innovation, welcome and diversity. Since then, Kehillah has grown steadily through shared leadership, joyful prayer, and a clear commitment to learning and justice. We are now a proud member of the Progressive Judaism Movement, which you can learn more about here.

How we pray and learn

How we pray and learn

A young boy with blonde hair watches as an adult lights a candle for a candle lighting ceremony.

Services blend Hebrew and English, familiar melodies and new tunes, and thoughtful teaching that invites participation at every level. We meet twice a month for morning Shabbat services, once a month for Friday evenings, and celebrate the festivals together. Children learn through our Cheder alongside Shabbat, teens continue with post b’nei mitzvah activities, and adults take part in regular education with our clergy and guests.

How we're run

How we're run

Headshot of a woman with shoulder-length brown hair wearing clear glasses and a white collared shirt, smiling against a reddish-brown background.

Kehillah is led spiritually by Rabbi Leah Jordan and Cantor Rachel Weston, and supported by our part time administrator, wardens, service leaders and many volunteers. An elected Management Committee works with our clergy to set vision and keep the community healthy and accountable.

Learn more about our team here

A woman with curly hair and glasses playing a piano and singing into a microphone.

How we show up

How we show up

An elderly woman with gray hair, smiling, indoors with tables in the background.

Kehillah is more than a place to pray. We care for one another through the Chesed Care Group, learn and act together through our Racial Justice and Climate Justice groups, and build partnerships across our neighbourhood.

We aim to be a community where people are known by name, differences are met with curiosity, and participation is made easy.

A group of women gathered around a table with lit candles, one woman holding an open box with more candles, smiling and celebrating.

Our Timeline

2002 A few brave souls book a room, bring cake, and start a new Progressive community in Stoke Newington.

2003 We make it official and find a home at a local church. The kettle learns our names.

2004 Our first Rabbi, Shulamit, arrives and regular services, teaching and community rhythm click into place.

2012 Ten years young. We celebrate and choose a name that fits who we are now. Hello, Kehillah North London.

2014 A Year of Innovation. We try new things, partner widely, learn a lot and keep what sings.

2020 Rabbi Leah joins. The Racial Justice Group launches. We lean into learning, accountability and action.

2023 Leah heads off on the adventure of parenthood. Interim cover steps in. Shared leadership proves it really is shared.

2025 Cantor Rachel joins the team with her song while Rabbi Leah is on sabbatical. The harmony holds.

Today Still growing, still singing, still making space for everyone who wants a seat at the table.

Close-up of an open Hebrew Bible with embroidered fabric covering part of the page.
Close-up view of an ancient, worn, and stained scroll or manuscript with handwritten Hebrew text.
Black and white photo of two people at a dinner table, having a conversation. The woman is wearing a head covering, and the man is wearing glasses and a blazer. The table has plates, glasses, candles, and food, with bookshelves in the background.
Two women, one with curly dark hair and one with long blonde hair, are kneeling on the grass and kissing a brown dog with floppy ears. The scene is outdoors in a park with trees and a stone wall in the background.

Where to find us

We meet in Stoke Newington, primarily at pur partner church and other local venues as needed, and keep our locations private for security reasons. First time visitors are asked to register in advance so we can keep our community safe and welcoming.

Get involved

Whether you are looking for a regular service, a learning circle, a way to volunteer, or simply a place to belong, there is room for you here. Visit the calendar for upcoming dates, join the newsletter (just below) for updates, or contact us to introduce yourself. We look forward to meeting you.