Our Story

Hertfordshire Progressive Synagogue (HPS) represents the inspiring unification of two established congregations: Radlett Reform Synagogue and The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE).

Having worked closely as neighboring communities for decades, our decision to merge brings together over 1,100 households to form one of the largest and most vibrant Progressive Jewish communities in the UK. By combining our rich heritages, dedicated rabbinic leadership, and passionate members, HPS offers an inclusive, forward-thinking spiritual home. Operating initially across two campuses, our shared ambition is to create a state-of-the-art center for Jewish life, culture, education, and connection across Hertfordshire and beyond.

The story of Radlett Reform began in November 1971, when 16 families gathered in a Bushey Heath home to establish the "Bushey Heath Reform Community." In its early years, the growing congregation held services wherever space allowed—from members' living rooms and local scout huts to church halls and Rosary Priory.

In 1979, the community acquired a former church on Watling Street in Radlett, which members lovingly converted into a permanent sanctuary. Renamed Radlett Reform Synagogue, the community quickly grew into a thriving spiritual hub. Radlett Reform has long been a pioneer in Progressive Judaism; in 1984, it appointed Rabbi Barbara Borts, making her the first female rabbi in the UK to hold a senior pulpit in a Reform congregation. Over the decades, under the leadership of distinguished rabbis including Rabbi Alexandra Wright and Rabbi Paul Freedman, the congregation expanded to over 1,000 adult members, known for warm liturgy, musical excellence, and strong youth engagement.

The Liberal Synagogue Elstree (TLSE) traces its origins to 1969, when a handful of local families gathered in a member's living room for their very first service as the Stanmore Liberal Jewish Congregation. Rooted in the core Liberal Jewish ideals of egalitarianism and personal responsibility, the congregation expanded rapidly across Hertsmere.

In 1977, the community purchased a semi-derelict, Grade II listed former village school in Elstree. Through months of dedicated volunteer labor by members working evenings and weekends, the building was transformed into a warm synagogue, school, and community space. Later adopting the Hebrew name Ateret Tzvi ("Crown of Glory") and becoming officially known as TLSE in 2004, the community built a reputation for radical hospitality, active pastoral care, and grassroots social justice initiatives.

Today, as HPS, we honor the pioneering spirits of those who built both Radlett Reform and TLSE. Together, we carry their stories forward into a bright, united future rooted in tradition and growing together in Progressive Jewish life.