Welcome
We're so glad you found us!
We are an egalitarian Jewish community: a life-giving space of healing, meaning and hope.
Jewish Community the Makor Hayim Way
Jew or Ally, believer or skeptic, synagogue regular or first-time visitor:
we welcome you exactly as you are.
What's on offer for:
π§βπ 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.
π Third Shabbat of the month
ποΈ Arrive from 6pm, service 6:30pm, Kiddush and meal until 9:15pm
π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦ 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!
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.
π Second Saturday of the month
π₯οΈ 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!
π§π»π§πΏ 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.
π 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.
π LGBTQ+ Jews & Allies
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.
π Sat 28th June
π₯οΈ 10:30-12:30
π»οΈ 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.
Our Values
Kavanah
Community prayer to inspire meaning and connection in the 21st century
Torah
Engaging with ancient wisdom that moves, informs and challenges us
Chesed
Building a community of kindness, care and friendship, here for each otherβs joys and struggles
Tsedek
Striving towards the creation of a more loving world
Hineni
Every one of us brings something unique to the table