Beads, Dolphins and Rainbow Unicorns: Natalie’s Dvar Torah on the occasion of their naming
One of the many things I’ve learnt from Student Rabbi Yael is that giving a D’var Torah about Moana is fair game. So here goes. I imagine you’re probably wondering what could possibly be so profound about a kids’ film…
Embracing Diversity: Makor Hayim’s Disability Pride
On Saturday, 22 February 2025, Makor Hayim Synagogue in Willesden Green hosted a transformative Disability Pride Shabbat, uniting the community in a profound celebration of inclusivity and justice. This service, co-created and led by three disabled members, exemplified the synagogue’s…
Builders’ Divrei Torah from Disability Pride Shabbat
Builders Simone Aspis and Lilly-Emma Thynne and Student Rabbi Yael Tischler gave Divrei Torah as part of Disability Pride Shabbat last Saturday. Rest for its Own Sake by Student Rabbi Yael Tischler Five years ago, I was diagnosed with epilepsy.…
Message from Student Rabbi Yael: Shabbat Mishpatim / Disability Pride
It has been a heartbreaking day for the Jewish people. This morning, the bodies of Oded Lifshitz and Kfir, Ariel and Shiri Bibas returned to Israel in coffins. I cried and raged when I heard the news. How does one…
Radical Amazement: the Dives’ message of thanks
On 25th January, Martin Dives officially stepped down as Makor Hayim’s founding chair. Here are his and Lauretta’s tributes to the community he served with such unwavering commitment and love. AJ Heschel’s concept has inspired me as I have reflected…
Welcome
We’re so glad you found us!
We are an egalitarian Jewish community: a life-giving space of healing, meaning and hope.
What makes Makor Hayim unique
Inclusive – We welcome each other exactly as we are
We welcome believers and skeptics; lifelong Jews and candidates for conversion; those steeped in Jewish tradition and those just dipping their toes. Our membership includes mixed heritage families, Jews of colour, LGBTQIA+ Jews, Jews with neurodiversity, single Jews, old Jews, young Jews, Jews with disabilities – and are proud to count our non-Jewish Ally Builders as fully-fledged members of our community.
Relational – We are a close-knit yet welcoming community
We greet old friends and first-time visitors with open arms. Through singing, praying, meditating, learning, eating, playing, celebrating and mourning together, we replenish our spiritual, emotional and physical reserves, and grow as leaders of the world we want to see.
Intentional – We take a deliberate and creative approach to Jewish liturgy, ritual and spirituality
Our practice draws on the deep wells of wisdom passed down to us, yet is firmly anchored in the needs of our members in the 21st century. We are not afraid to tackle the most complex and occasionally uncomfortable aspects of our tradition, while remaining inclusive of those of any or no faith.
Socially conscious – We are called to be compassionate, loving and just human beings
In this broken world of disconnection, fear and social and environmental injustices, we come together in community to actively contribute to the world we want to see. As a community, we actively support local charities, interfaith initiatives and social justice.
Co-built – We are a community of Builders, together forging the communal life we want to see
When we each contributing our diverse strengths and personalities, we create a rich and vibrant whole. Many Builders are involved in volunteer capacities, lay leadership, running of educational programmes and cultural events. Whatever your interests and experiences, we celebrate everything you bring to the table.
What’s on offer for:
- 🧑🎓
Young
adults - 👨👩👧👦
Families
& Teens - 🧑🏻🧑🏿
Interfaith &
diverse heritages - 🌈
LGBTQ+
Jews - 💻️
Remote
participants
Friday Night Lates
A service geared towards young people held in a trendy venue, followed by a meal/drinks and social. Launching 28/02/2025
📆 First Shabbat of the month*, service 6:30pm, kiddush and social 7:30pm
* In months starting on a Saturday, this will be the last day (Friday) of the preceding month
Shabbat BaBayit
An informal, intimate Kabbalat Shabbat home-hosted by one of our Builders, followed by a bring-and-share meal. Themes and formats vary widely between hosts, so keep an eye on upcoming events for more information.
📆 Third Shabbat of the month, arrive from 6pm, service 6:30pm
Makor Hayim has welcomed over two dozen babies into our community over the past two years, so you and your little ones will feel right at home!
Intergenerational Services
Our monthly service specially designed to be inclusive of our youngest members (aged 1 day upwards!) but open to and attended by all ages. Followed by kiddush and a children’s activity, and preceded by a study session for parents.
📆 Second Saturday of the month, study session 10am, service 10:30am
Cheder & Youth Programmes
As of 2025 we are currently developing a youth and education programme, which we hope to launch by the end of the year, so watch this space!
Have a young person (aged zero-18) who wants to get involved in any capacity? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please get in touch!
Ally Buildership
We are proud to welcome non-Jewish Ally Builders as fully-fledged members of our community. Allies come in all sorts of flavours: some have Jewish spouses or partners, while others simply find themselves at home in our community; some are candidates for conversion while others have no plans to convert. Whatever your situation, you are welcome.
As a Reform community, we take an inclusive view of Jewish status. If you have a connection or relationship to Judaism – whatever form it takes – we can help you find the best way for you to participate in our community.
Interfaith events
We regularly run events open to the wider community, such as interfaith Shabbats where Builders invite representatives of other and no faith to sing, meditate, pray, discuss and be in community together, and partnerships with the Brent Multifaith Forum.
Jewish education
We run Navigating Judaism classes covering the basics of all aspects of Jewish tradition, culture and life. They are aimed at those encountering Judaism for the first time, returning to Judaism after a period of non-engagement, or with some knowledge of Judaism who want to deepen their understanding of the religion.
Conversion
If you’re ready to take the plunge and convert to Judaism, we can support you on your journey.
Our membership is fantastically diverse in genders, sexual orientations and family arrangements. However you identify, you will be in good company!
Pride Shabbat
This annual event during Pride Month is a joyous celebration of all Makor Hayim’s fantastic diversity.
📆 June; exact date TBC
Online and hybrid services
As befits a community founded just before Covid, we take online participation seriously.
Every service and event (unless completely impractical) is livestreamed over Zoom, and open to participation by remote attendees. Our Zoom community is a thriving space, with its very own minhag, and its regulars range from frequent in-person attendees to Builders living many hundreds of miles away. We’ve even had readings and prayers in our Rosh Hashanah services led by online participants.
We also have online-only services led by regulars within the online community.
Out of the Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening) and Shacharit (Saturday morning) services, usually one will be in-person/hybrid and one will be online-only, alternating weekly.
What’s On
We hold Kabbalat Shabbat (Friday evening) and Shabbat morning services every week, one in Willesden Green and one online. For more details see our service schedule.
Our Values
📜
Torah
(learning)
Learning and being in active conversation with ancient wisdom that holds, moves, informs and challenges us
❤️
Chesed
(kindness)
Being ‘radically relational’: building a community of kindness, care and friendship; showing up for each other’s joys and struggles
⚖️
Tsedek
(justice)
Acting with justice and compassion, working towards the creation of a more loving world; acknowledging the connectedness of our fate with the fate of other communities, British society and the wider world
🔥
Kavannah
(intention)
Creating meaningful Jewish rituals that guide and build intention: engaging intentionally and creatively with Torah & Jewish practice to inspire meaning and connection in our lives
🙋
Hineini
(being
present)
Believing that every one of us, Jewish or Allies, whatever our backgrounds, strengths and relationships with Judaism, has something of value to offer, and the power to make change