HARLOW & CHELMSFORD JEWISH COMMUNITY
Chelmsford Jewish Community has now merged with Harlow Synagogue to form HCJC
HISTORY
The Chelmsford Jewish Community [CJC] was established in 1974 to provide for local Jewish people of all shades of religious observance and background. It was a non-affiliated congregation open for membership to all co-religionists. Their non-Jewish partners are welcome to all events and services.
The merger with Harlow was finalised in January 2026 and has a joint membership of over 300 people. It is an affiliate member of The Movement for Progressive Judaism. There is a single synagogue council overseeing both locations. In practice, Stan Keller, long-standing Chairman of CJC and now Life Vice-President of HCJC will be the main contact for events in Chelmsford and Jon Kaye will chair HCJC and, together with Rabbi Irit Shiller, will look after the Harlow side although all council members will be available to help administer the expanded community.
HCJC has broadened its catchment area in Essex and offers a rabbi, a synagogue, cheder as well as conversion and bar/bat mitzvah classes plus a full social programme.
In addition, funeral arrangements will be conducted through membership of the Jewish Joint Burial Society (JJBS). Funerals include woodland and lawn burials and cremations can also be arranged under the scheme. JJBS allows funerals for non-Jewish partners.
Link to new joint website: www.HarlowJewishCommunity.org.uk