Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross Jewish Communities

Selected Press Reports & Extracts on the

Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross Jewish Communities

Jewish Chronicle, April 1940

An initiative is announced to establish a Membership Group combining Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Bourne End and neighbouring villages.
[The initiative did not appear to progress since in 1941 separate Groups were established at Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross.]

Jewish Chronicle, 3 December 1940 - Letter

An early suggestion to form a separate community at Gerrards Cross was made by Harry Gaventa [who was prominent in the London Board of Shechita and after the war, was to become its president] who wrote to the Jewish Chronicle inviting expressions of interest from other local residents.

Jewish Chronicle, 14 February 1941

BEACONSFIELD
In February 1941 at a meeting held at the home of Joshua Fraser, Miramar, Cambridge Road, with Rabbi M. Swift (of Brixton synagogue) in the chair. Joseph Fraser and A. M. Schottlander were elected Wardens and Arnold Essex (Financial Representative). A canvassing committee was formed, and steps were taken to establish Hebrew and Religion Classes.

Jewish Chronicle, March 1941

BEACONSFIELD
The first Sabbath Service was held at the Girl Guides' Hall (opposite Burnham Hall), Old Town, Beaconsfield on 1 March 1941.
[This was the venue of all known religious services at Beaconsfield.]

Jewish Chronicle, 1 August 1941

GERRARDS CROSS
At a meeting of the Gerrards Cross and District Community, held last week at the Congregational Church Hall, with Mr. H. Gaventa in the chair, arrangements were made for a congregation to be set up under the United Synagogue Group Membership scheme. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. I. L. Swift and Rabbi Dr. I. Goodman. The following were elected: Messrs. H. Gaventa, Chairman; M. Cohen, Treasurer; L. J. Hill. Hon. Secretary; and S. Cooper, M. Dinkenor, S. Fagin, M. Godins, F. W. Kahn. and A. Wetstein, Committee. Mrs. Goldberg and Miss Stein undertook to canvass the district. It is hoped that regular services and religion classes for the children will be inaugurated before the end of the month. Inquiries should be addressed to the Hon. Secretary, Mr. L. J. Hill, Sulham Dene, Hill Rise, Chalfont St. Peter.

Jewish Chronicle, 19 September 1941

GERRARDS CROSS
In September 1941 the first Barmitzvah was celebrated — that of Trevor Benjamin Myers, who was addressed by the Rev. M. Richardson.

Jewish Chronicle, 5 June 1942

GERRARDS CROSS
Mr. H. Gaventa, presiding at the annual meeting of the United Synagogue Membership Group, held at the Methodist Church Hall, reported that the membership numbered 90. Thanks were due to Mr. M. Cowen for his interest in the religion classes. Messrs. H. Gaventa and J. Wineman were elected Wardens, and Mr. L. J. Hill was elected Financial Representative, and Mr. L. J. Hill, Hon. Secretary.

Jewish Chronicle, 18 June 1943

GERRARDS CROSS
At the annual meeting of the United Synagogue Membership Group the following were elected.: Messrs. H: Gaventa and J. Wineman, Wardens; L. J. Hill, Financial Representative and Hon. Secretary; and M. Cowan, H. Austin, D. Wineman, and M. Saper, Committee.

Jewish Chronicle, 2 July 1943

BEACONSFIELD
The congregation has elected the following: Messrs. J. Fraser and A. M. SchottIander, Wardens: and Arnold Essex, Financial Representative and Hon. Secretary.

Jewish Chronicle, 22 June 1945

GERRARDS CROSS
J Wineman replaced H Gaventa as president of the Membership Group -  Mr. L. Hill, Hon. Secretary.