.png)
About us
The South London Liberal Synagogue is affiliated to the Movement for Progressive Judaism and was the first Progressive synagogue, Liberal or Reform, south of the River Thames. We welcome Jewish people, non-Jewish partners and friends, and those wishing to convert.
History of the Synagogue
The synagogue was the second oldest in the Union of Liberal and Progressive Synagogues when we merged with the Movement for Reform Judaism in January 2026.
Samuel Morris Rich and others formed the congregation in 1929. After moving between local halls, a permanent home was found in 1938: a building designed by Sidney Smith, the architect of Tate Britain on Millbank. Sammy Rich led services for the first twenty years of the congregation’s life. Lily Montagu, one of the great lights of Liberal Judaism, was our president for over thirty years. Rabbi John Rayner (then Rev. Rayner) was appointed in 1953. The period 1977 to 1989 saw Julia Neuberger (now Baroness Neuberger) in post - the first female rabbi to lead a synagogue in the United Kingdom. We have a rich history! Rabbi Godleman became our minister in 2016.
 |  |  |  |
|---|
Rabbi Nathan Godleman
Nathan grew up in Willesden, the youngest of six children. He studied History with German at Thames Valley University, before pursuing a career in teaching. Entering Leo Baeck College to train for the rabbinate, he served numerous Liberal and Reform communities, spending his final two years as our student minister, and continuing upon ordination. Nathan is a member of the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, serves as a padre in the Army Cadet Force and is involved in the Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and women. He sits regularly on the Liberal beit din/rabbinic board. He lives in North West London with his wife, Linda, and several cats.
Accessibility
The synagogue has step-free access via a side entrance lift. We have large print prayerbooks available, and there is a hearing loop in the sanctuary.