Natalie’s Dvar Torah on the occasion of their naming
Natalie shares the meanings and significance of their chosen names, and thoughts on…
Find your place in a welcoming , egalitarian Jewish community.
Makor Hayim is the Inclusive Jewish Community You've Been Looking for.
Welcome to Makor Hayim
We’re a warm, inclusive Reform community in NW London. Whether you’re a synagogue regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll find space to pray, learn and belong.
Makor Hayim is the community I dreamed of, and didn't know whether I'd ever find. Growing up in a Sephardi-Orthodox community, I loved Jewish song, ritual and food, but I longed to be able to participate and express myself fully, and wrestle authentically with texts I disagreed with. Time spent at Makor Hayim is inclusive, informal and fun. But it also invites me and my family to engage with Jewish tradition in ways that feel deep, fresh and relevant.
I often found it hard to feel a real sense of connection in communities where I was simply one of many congregants. For me, faith has always been rooted in connection through active participation, especially through music. Makor Hayim has proven to be exactly the right place. Within just a few months of joining, I was leading Erev Shabbat Services, co-leading during the High Holidays, and even contributing strategic input on the community’s future. Makor Hayim meets you wherever you are, whether you’re seeking support, actively learning, or eager to get involved.
At Makor Hayim l learnt that our values are clearly stated, everyone has the right to be accepted and respected just as they are, opinions can be openly expressed, and decisions are made by groups, not individuals. Covid brought us closer together, demographic changes and world politics have challenged us. Our values create community support that brings us together in the search for torah.
Upcoming Events
What’s happening this month
YES, THERE’S A PLACE HERE FOR YOU
Like many of us, you may have had experiences in Jewish communities where you’ve felt on the outside. Well, whether you’re fluent in Hebrew or have zero Hebrew, whether you’re Jewish or a non-Jewish Ally to the Jews in your life…we’ve got you.
You’re so welcome here. Pick a path to make yourself at home…
Families
Kulanu, our family‑friendly Shabbat — second Saturday monthly.
Families & Teens
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!’
 Second Saturday of the month
️ 10:30-12:30
Kulanu Service
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
️ 10:30-12:30
Cheder & Youth Programming
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!
LGBTQ+ Jews & Allies
Bring your whole self; you are welcome here.
LGBTQ+ Jews & Allies
Our membership is fantastically diverse in genders, sexual orientations and family arrangements. However you identify, you will be in good company!
 Sat 28th June
️ 10:30-12:30
Pride Shabbat
This annual event during Pride Month is a joyous celebration of all Makor Hayim’s fantastic diversity. Sat 28th June
️ 10:30-12:30
Interfaith Couples & Families
Partners and families of all backgrounds belong here.
Interfaith & diverse heritages
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
Navigating Judaism
Our introductory Jewish education programme covers 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.
 New cycle launching in late 2025 – watch this space!
Conversion
If you’re ready to take the plunge and convert to Judaism, we can support you on your journey.
Participate Online
Join services and learning on Zoom — same community, different doorway.
Remote participants
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.
Curious about Judaism
Curious or returning? Start with accessible, , friendly learning.
Young adults
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, Kiddush and meal until 9:15pmStories from the community
Shabbat Mishpatim / Disability Pride
However you are marking Shabbat this weekend, I hope that you are able…