Hemel Hempstead Jewish Community

Selected Press Reports relating to
Hemel Hempstead Jewish Community

Jewish Chronicle, 25 October 1940

The High Holyday services in October 1940 were the first ever held in Hemel Hempstead. Despite only a few days' advance notice, over 250 attended.

Jewish Chronicle, 6 December 1940

At a meeting of the Hemel Hempstead Jewish Community the following were elected: Mr. J. Balkin, Chairman; the Rev. M. Gayer, Warden; Mr. S. Blatt, Treasurer; Messrs E. Sachs, H. Lewis, R. Triessman, C. Balkin, J. Kitzberg, A. Guntz, and B. Goldstein, Committee; and Rabbi Dr. Marmorstein, the Rev. M. Gayer, the Rev. H. Olivestone, Mr. S. Blatt, and Mr. Monat, Educational Committee.

Jewish Chronicle, 5 September 1941

Reporting on the appointment of Rev. Posen as minister, teacher and welfare officer at Hemel Hempstead, it added that:  "The new Minister will take charge of the religious instruction at the various schools and be responsible for the Hebrew teaching at the congregational classes, which meet at the Methodist Hall on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and Sundays at 10.30 a.m. Mr. Posen will be in attendance at the Town Hall every Friday morning from 11 to 12."

Jewish Chronicle, 5 September 1941

Hemel Hempstead
A new Treasurer, Mr. J. Freedman, and a new Hon. Secretary, Miss P. Freedman were appointed.

Jewish Chronicle, 12 June 1942

Hemel Hempstead
The following were elected: Messrs. M. E. Waldman and M. Gelade, wardens; and J. Freedman, Financial Representative. The Rev. J. Posen was appointed Secretary.

Jewish Chronicle, 2 July 1943

Hemel Hempstead
At the annual meeting of the United Synagogue Membership Group Messrs M. E. Waldman, O.B.E, and S. Bard were elected Wardens.

Jewish Chronicle, 26 October 1945

An impressive ceremony was held last week at the Two Waters and Apsley Methodist Church, when a plaque was unveiled and presented to the church by Mr. M. E.Waldman, O.B.E., J.P., on behalf of the Hemel Hempstead Hebrew Congregation. The plaque bears the Hebrew word Todah and the inscription: "This tablet is dedicated in gratitude to the Methodist congregation for their hospitality to the Jewish community of Hemel Hempstead in providing facilities for divine worship during the war years 1939-45. Let all nations praise the Lord." An address was delivered during the Mincha Service by Rabbi Dr. A. Mormorstein. at one time Joint Chairman of the congregation with Mr. Waldman. After the service, which was attended by the minister of the Methodist church, the Rev. G. Hadlett Kingswood, a cheque was presented to him for use in his church. Thanking the Jewish, community, Mr. Kingswood said that it had been a joy to associate with them, and that of all the diverse purposes to which their church hall had been put, that, of providing a place of worship for the Jewish community, and a centre for the religious instruction of the children, had been most closely connected with their way of life.

Jewish Chronicle, 6 July 1956

CONGREGATION FORMED IN NEW TOWN
About fifty Jewish residents attended a meeting held last week at 34 EllinghaM Road, Hemel Hempstead, at which it was decided to form the Hemel Hempstead and District Jewish community (incorporating Warners End, Chaulden, Apsley, Boxmoor, Bennetts End, and King's Langley). Services are being arranged to take place every Friday evening and Sabbath morning and also for the coming Festivals. It was also agreed to arrange accommodation and hospitality for the coming Festivals for Jews living in some of the surrounding, scattered villages. Those interested should get in touch with Mrs. B. Bennett, 52 Ellingham Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Hebrew classes for children have begun and are being held on Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings. There are 30 children on the roll, being taught by three volunteer teachers The Development Corporation has promised to help the congregation find premises; The following were elected: Mr. D. Braham and Mr. J. Bennett, Wardens; Mr. J. Cohen (c/o 34 Ellingham Road, Hemel Hempstead, Treasurer (pro tern.) and Hon. Secretary; and a committee of six. The Ladies Guild has undertaken to arrange for the distribution of kosher meat in the whole of Hemel Hempstead. Particular can be obtained from Mrs. D. Braham, 34 Ellingham Road, Hemel Hempstead.