Our approach to religion is in the British progressive tradition: open minded and thoughtful, rooted firmly in our history but mindful of the times in which we live. We are fortunate to enjoy the guidance of our Rabbi, a progressive-minded and exciting leader and educator.

Our community ethos is one of self-help and inclusivity. All members are invited to become involved, whatever their previous experience (or lack of it) in all aspects of synagogue life from administration and maintaining the fabric of the building to reading from Torah and everything in between

All sorts of people are involved in our community: born Jews with a great deal of knowledge or none at all; people considering conversion or actively engaged in study for conversion; families of which part is Jewish and part not; those who practise other religions, but who enjoy joining us from time to time; people seeking their roots; those who have lost contact with their Judaism and are looking for a way back, perhaps by attending services for specific occasions, such as the Seder; and the many who lack the confidence to join in at first because they believe that “everybody else knows it all”. They are always surprised at how much they have to contribute.

We place great emphasis on all three traditional roles of a synagogue – house of study, house of prayer and house of meeting, and each of those categories covers a wide range of activity and endeavour. “Study” – for adults and children alike – might mean one-to-one teaching, a lecture or an activity associated with a festival; “prayer” covers not only formal services on Shabbat and festivals but such things as Chanukah candle-lighting parties in members’ homes; and “meeting” extends beyond centralised social events to all types of formal and informal care and support from both the Rabbi and individual members.

All are welcome to attend events and services. We are happy to answer general enquiries about Judaism as well as about our Synagogue – as the saying goes, you don’t have to be Jewish! If you would like to know more before coming along, please call 020 8460 5460 to speak to the Rabbi or Administrator, visit our Facebook page or contact us via our website.

Inclusive and Diverse

Our community is very broad and we welcome everyone.

What does this mean in practice?  If you are Jewish, you are welcome.  If you are thinking about converting to Judaism, you are welcome; we have a very large and vibrant conversion programme.  If you are Jewish and your partner isn’t, you are both welcome.  If you have one Jewish parent, regardless of the gender of that parent, you may be recognised as fully Jewish without the need for conversion.  Whatever your sexual orientation, you are welcome.  We gladly officiate at the weddings of same-sex Jewish couples.  If you are Jewish but have never been that involved in the Jewish community, you are welcome.   Introduction to Judaism and Hebrew courses are available.

For more information, give us a call at 020 8460 5460.

Reform Judaism

 Reform Judaism…

  • treasures both Jewish tradition and Judaism’s ability to evolve in response to the contemporary world
  • a life of integrity based on a process of informed decision making
  • an uncompromising commitment to gender equality and inclusion, responding to the changing realities of our community
  • seeks out new opportunities and spaces in which to welcome and engage with members, unaffiliated Jews and those with non-Jewish partners
  • is committed to Israel and the pursuit of peace; democracy; human rights and religious pluralism
  • means building a just society through social action and tikkun olam, repair of the world

Our core values:

  • Creating inclusive, egalitarian communities, valuing difference
  • Bringing Holiness into the world by seeking meaning in our lives and a just society for all
  • Treasuring the autonomy of the individual, Jewish tradition and the insights of the wider world

From Reform Judaism in a Nutshell by the Movement for Reform Judaism
Want to find out more?  Call us at 020 8460 5460.

Care and Support

We are committed to helping others.  Whether it is visiting the sick, caring for the bereaved or feeding the homeless, our members are there for those who need them.  Our synagogue hosts a twice monthly social centre, where seniors can come and enjoy discussion, games, music and lunch.  Additionally, there are tea parties, a knit and natter group, and more.  For additional information, please contact the synagogue office at 020 8460 5460.

Interfaith Relations

Bromley Reform Synagogue engages actively with the wider community and believes strongly in working with other faith groups. Our synagogue partnered with Al-Emaan (Keston Mosque) and Bromley Churches Together to start the Bromley Three Faiths Forum. Together, we engage in social action and social justice work, particularly on behalf of refugees, we create opportunities for learning and discussion, and we have begun a Babies’ and Toddlers’ play group so that parents and their small children can get together, meet, and form lasting friendship.

Additionally, Bromley Reform Synagogue actively participates in the Council of Christians and Jews, regularly hosting or supporting discussion groups and programming to further relations between the two communities.

From 2023 we are also participants in the Bexley Interfaith Group.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct

Bromley Reform Synagogue – Statement of Safeguarding Principles

This statement applies to all staff, including paid staff, Board and committee members, members of BRS, visitors, volunteers, agency staff, students or anyone working on behalf of Reform Judaism.

The purpose of the BRS safeguarding guidance and procedures is to protect all children, young people, vulnerable persons and members in our care or who receive our services.

We believe that no person should ever experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children, young people, vulnerable persons and members to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them.

BRS’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures may be found here:

Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

BRS’s Adult Safeguarding Policy and Procedures may be found here:

Safeguarding Adults Policy

SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS

The BRS safeguarding officers can be contacted if you have concerns.

Bromley Reform Synagogue – Code of Conduct

BRS strives to be a workplace where all staff and non staff members work together in a professional, welcoming and safe environment.  All staff and non staff are expected to act in a manner reflective of the working environment they are a part of.  Further to this, as part of its overall commitment to equality of opportunity,  BRS is dedicated to promoting an environment in which everyone is free from bullying and harassment in any forms.  BRS aims to create a place where everyone is treated with dignity and respect regardless of gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, marital or family status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, creed, culture, religion or belief, age, disability or any other personal factor or quality.

This Code of Conduct applies to all staff and non staff members which includes Board and committee members, members of BRS, visitors, volunteers, agency staff, students or anyone working on behalf of Reform Judaism.  We expect all behaviour which is supportive of our ethos and values.  We will not accept any unprofessional or inappropriate behaviour.  This includes any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or abuse relating to gender, sexual orientation, transgender status, marital or family status, colour, race,nationality, ethnic or national origins, creed, culture, religion or belief, age, disability or anyother personal factor or quality.

Unprofessional and inappropriate behaviour includes but is not limited to the list below:
• Bullying including but not limited to any actions/contact which could be reasonably be
perceived as threatening or violent.  Bullying includes but is not limited to any actions/contact which could be reasonably be perceived as threatening or violent, such as “whether in person, online or in any written communication”.

• Harassment including but not limited to any contact that could reasonably be perceived as sexual , threatening or violent
• Inappropriate contact after normal work ing hours; late night/evening phone calls, text
messages , scheduling meetings after work hours etc. Personal boundaries vary from
person to person and even if the intentions are solely work – related they may be seen
as inappropriate by the recipient.
• Using foul or obscene language and/or gestures
• Inappropriately discussing or denigrating staff or non staff members with any one
• Theft
• Bribery
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs whilst carrying out your duties
• Illicit drug use in any environment or at any event associated with the organisation
• Imposing personal, cultural, religious, philosophical or other beliefs onto others. This
includes making offensive comments either face to face, on the telephone or online, during presentations, workshops or group discussions relating to gender, gender identity, age, ethnicity, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
• Disclosure of confidential information
• Blatant disregard for Health and Safety
Bullying and harassment as listed above is not limited to verbal or physical actions and
includes all cyber and digital platforms also.

Furthermore, sexual harassment is considered a serious violation of our core values and
principles and the organisatio n has its own standalone policy on the issue which extends to
all non  staff members as outlined in the scope of this policy.
Inappropriate behaviour of a sexual nature includes but is not limited to the list below:
• Written or verbal comments of a sexual nature, such as remarks about an
employee’s appearance, questions about their sex life or offensive jokes , or
requesting inappropriate levels of intimacy
• Displaying pornographic or explicit images
• Emails /text messages with content of a sexual nature
• Unwanted physical contact and touching
• Sexual assault

All non staff members are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all organisation
related events. It may be the case that alcohol is served at some events, however, non staff
members are expected to consume alcohol in moderation on such occasions. The use of
drugs is strictly forbidden. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be an
acceptable excuse for any inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour.

If you witness any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination, it is your responsibility
where appropriate to challenge this behaviour and to report it to the Chair or a
member of the Board. Whilst we recognise that it may be difficult to
challenge inappropriate behaviour, if you witness bullying, harassment, discrimination or
inappropriate behaviour of any kind , you should try to intervene and stop it from continuing , if possible. If the situation doesn’t allow for this, you have a duty to report it. This Code of
Conduct forms one part of a wide r range of policies, procedures and trainings which will
create a culture enabling staff and non staff members to challenge inappropriate behaviour
in the workplace . If you feel you have been a victim of any form of bullying, harassment,
discrimination etc., please report it to the Chair or a member of the Board.

Any reported violations of this Code of Conduct will be investigated by the most appropriate
individual . Where appropriate, a violation may be reported to the Police.  BRS and it’s
Chair and Board reserve the right to issue one or more of the following sanctions to anyone whom it reasonably believes is in violation of this Code of Conduct:
• Permanently bar you from the organisation’s premises
• Termination of any contract between you and the organisation and/or termination of your membership at BRS

• Civil or criminal proceedings may be brought against you.