Dear Friends,

It is with great anticipation and excitement that we are reaching the final stages of securing a building for The Netzach Community Centre. With thanks to the Almighty we are ready to build a powerhouse community centre for the whole Edgware community and beyond,

Over this past year, attending community events has been extremely challenging and for many almost non-existent. Naysayers may ask: in the wake of a worldwide pandemic, is now really the best time to launch this capital project?

My response: As countless doctors, therapists and rabbinic colleagues can testify I can personally testify the impact of this pandemic on mental health and wellbeing has been far beyond our imagination. Individuals and families with no prior history have been severely affected by isolation; many who were previously managing anxiety, addiction, and depression have cracked under the pressure. If anything the pandemic has shown us the critical need for community life and all it has to offer. Community is the heartbeat of Jewish Life and living. 

During World War II amidst the brutal destruction of our people, the great Ponevezher Rav Rabbi Yosef Kahanaman ztl had a dream that he would re-establish the glorious and magnificent Ponevezher Yeshiva in the Land of Israel a home for Torah study and vibrant Jewish life.

People thought he was out of his mind! Fundraising for a Yeshiva building In the middle of the Holocaust? The Rav responded “I’m not meshuga! Most people dream when they are asleep, but I am dreaming and I am awake!”

We are living in challenging times but we must stay ahead of the game. We have to be there for the next generation. We have a dream, and we are awake! 

I appeal to you from the depths of my heart; and ask you to contribute to this exciting cross-communal project. There are several dedication opportunities available to remember a loved one or honour someone special in your life. Please help us turn this dream into a reality.

I humbly offer my blessing to all who contribute and partner us in the Netzach Community Centre project. May Hashem bless you and your family with good health success and joy.

Rabbi Reuven Stepsky

Community Rabbi Kehillas Netzach Yisroel

Founder and Director Shema B’ni

Mission

To construct the Netzach Community Centre in Edgware - a place for people of all ages to come together, a centre for social and education programmes for adults and children, a thriving community and synagogue - all under one roof. This project is a collaboration of three unique organisations, united by a single vision: a vibrant future for the Edgware community and beyond.

Youth Hub

The teenage years represent both an opportunity and a challenge for the formation of Jewish identity. As children transition into secondary school and become increasingly independent from their families, their social lives begin to take centre-stage. Youth movements have long played an instrumental role in Anglo-Jewry by engaging young people in positive Jewish experiences, through fun and educational activities and the opportunity to form friendships with like-minded peers. Until now, there has been no purpose-built site in Edgware for youth groups such as Ezra ,Chazak and others to meet, and they have had to rely on using private homes and other temporary venues in order to carry out their activities. The next generation urgently need a permanent, safe Jewish environment in which to socialise, learn and grow into young adulthood.

Adult Education and Social Activities

Shema B’ni is a unique organisation in the UK dedicated to follow-up, support and education for individuals and families raised in a secular background who are now dedicated to a spiritual and meaningful life connected to their rich Jewish heritage. Now in its sixth year, hundreds of participants have gained tremendously from its innovative classes, seminars, social events and mentoring programmes. With an ever-growing demand for Shema B’ni’s services, it has become increasingly difficult to serve its families from private homes and temporary venues. With many young families setting up their homes in Edgware, Mill Hill, Borehamwood and other nearby communities, Edgware is the ideal location for Shema B’ni to base itself permanently and build on its success to develop and expand its programmes to the next level.

Community and Synagogue

The shul from which this project takes its name - Kehillas Netzach Yisroel - is a powerhouse of spiritual growth, learning and meaningful prayer in Edgware. KNY currently has over 75 member families, all of whom are professionals in a variety of fields, many in education and the charity sector. With the shul’s current lease coming to an end and a perfect site identified, now is the time to secure the future of the Netzach community and expand its reach in a part of Edgware that many young families are moving into.

The Proposal

In July 2015 Netzach Yisroel became a constituent member of the Federation of Synagogues, which has offered its support in buying 207-209 Hale Lane – a former residential building located in the heart of Edgware. Our dream is to take this seed money further and construct a much-needed three-storey building to bring the community together, serving as a community centre, youth hub, lecture auditorium, synagogue and function hall. However, the fulfilment of this vision is dependent on financial support from the community and beyond..

KNY

If you ever step foot into Netzach, you know that feeling of warmth, friendship and belonging that immediately surrounds you. For over 20 years, every corner of Netzach Yisroel has been filled with warmth and care. It is a community where each person who walks in is welcomed and accepted, and a powerhouse of real growth, Torah learning and meaningful prayer.

Our History

Founded by Seed in 1998, the fledgling community grew under the leadership of Rabbi Dovid Roberts. In 2019 Rabbi Reuven Stepsky was appointed as the Community Rabbi, bringing a wealth of experience from both the JLE and Shema B’ni. In a short time, he has inspired the community and together with Rebbetzen Elisheva befriended all its members with their warm and caring personalities.

Our Community

Netzach pride themselves on being more than a place for prayer. We are a whole community experience with provision for men, women, families, youth and children. We have over 75 member families, with a main minyan, hashkoma (early), youth minyan and 3 children’s services. We have a strong welfare team providing meal rotas and support, as well as running a gemach fund to help those who need financial assistance. There is a full educational programme of shiurim (classes) for both men and women given both by the Rabbi as well as an array of guest speakers. Fun and engaging social events are organised throughout the year for all ages across the community.

The Need

From humble beginnings starting in private homes, the Netzach community have not yet managed to secure a home of their own. Most urgently, our current premises will soon be demolished, threatening the very fabric of our shul. The survival of the community is at stake!

The Solution

Netzach Yisroel is a constituent member of the Federation of Synagogues, who have very generously agreed to assist in the purchase of 207-209 Hale Lane. The location is ideal for current as well as new members as there is great demand for a shul in this part of Edgware. This site will enable Netzach community to thrive to the next level and together with its partners provide a powerful community impact.

The Need

As children transition into secondary school and become increasingly independent from their families, their social lives begin to take centre stage. For decades, youth movements have played a crucial role in helping young people form a positive Jewish identity, through fun and educational activities and the opportunity to form friendships with like-minded peers. There is currently minimal suitable permanent provision youth groups to meet in NW London and Edgware , many have to rely on using private homes and other temporary venues in order to carry out their activities.

The Solution 

As a solution the Netzach Community Centre in Edgware will be creating a space for our Youth. The Hub will be open to both boys and girls across the community. There will be a special designated youth zone for teenagers with couches, table tennis and other indoor games for the teens to relax and chill. A kitchen facility for refreshments plus an area for informal discussion groups on as well as arts and crafts and other social activities. The Hub will be also be available to other local groups. Additionally there will be leadership opportunities where the senior youth can take responsibility for running programmes and events for the younger participants. This is an amazing chance for youth to grow into tomorrow’s community leaders

The Vision

The next generation urgently need a purpose-built, safe Jewish environment in Edgware in which to socialise, learn and strengthen their Jewish identities. The Netzach Community Centre would be that space.

Voices from the Community

“As Edgware expands there is obviously an increasing demand to run programs for our youth. It is with great fortune that Netzach have the foresight and vision to create this space for the use of all of the community.” 

Rabbi Nechemia Yaffe, Torah Vodaas Primary School

“A youth hub would so benefit the teenagers of the Edgware community. Having a safe and positive environment to socialise with friends is crucial to their development.”

Rabbi Yitzi David, M.D. Chazak 

“The Edgware Youth Hub is critically needed. The future of the Edgware community will be determined by its provision for its youth.”

Mr David Rabson

“Ezra has a desire to have a spacious area to run groups, activities and programmes for the youth. A strong Ezra presence means a strong community.”

Mr Chaim Taylor, Ezra

Shema B'ni

The Teshuva Revolution has taken world Jewry by storm! It has changed its face irrevocably, welcoming back thousands of Jews around the globe to their rich and wonderful heritage. This movement has brought an excitement and freshness to the whole spectrum of the Jewish community.

The Challenge

The decision to adopt an entirely new life course inevitably leads to challenges as one adapts to a life dedicated to Jewish values. There are often significant gaps in Jewish knowledge and practical Jewish living as well as a need to integrate both themselves and their children into mainstream communities. This can also be a very lonely experience! Many face challenges in areas such as marriage, parenting, positive and respectful relationships with secular family and friends, as well as the practicalities of navigating school applications, shidduchim and lifecycle events.

The Solution

In May 2016 Rabbi Reuven and Rebbetzen Elisheva Stepsky launched Shema B’ni to fill the vacuum for an organisation dedicated specifically to follow-up, support and education for professionals now dedicated to a spiritual life connected to their Jewish heritage. The response was overwhelming. Shema B’ni has engaged hundreds of people through its innovative classes,

seminars, events and mentoring programmes. The need for personalised support and guidance has become even more pressing in the current pandemic, with participants facing emotional health issues, loss of income and redundancy, bereavement as well as seeking further parenting and marriage guidance.

Shema B’ni is the crucial next step, building on the incredible work outreach organisations in the UK have started. It provides a network of opportunities for Torah-conscious Jews and their families to be connected, happy, emotionally healthy and knowledgeable in their Jewish journey.

The Vision

It has now become extremely difficult for Shema B’ni to serve our families from private homes and temporary venues. There is an ever-growing demand for our support and we now need our own dedicated home in order to provide higher quality services and expand our current programmes.

We are delighted to be partners in building The Netzach Yisroel Community Centre – a state of the art venue to serve the Edgware community and beyond, enabling hundreds of people to pass on our rich Jewish heritage to the next generation