About Us

Thanet and District Reform Synagogue is a Reform Jewish Community based in Ramsgate, Kent.

From not only our Thanet base of Ramsgate, Margate and Broadstairs but also Canterbury, Herne Bay, Whitstable, Dover, Faversham and Folkestone, we have constituents across Kent and beyond. Our Hebrew name is Etz Chaim (Tree of Life) and we are members of Reform Judaism. We are a thriving, inclusive community with members and friends from a broad range of backgrounds. We:

Hold services every Shabbat and for all Festivals.
Have plenty of social events.
Support a full range of life events from birth onwards.
Have a range of learning opportunities, for both children and adults.
Ensure community engagement from inter-faith work to education involvement.
Welcome people from a range of backgrounds, no matter what that background is.

TDRS is funded by its members and is run by the synagogue council. There continues to be close connections with local and national organisations and charities who TDRS engage with and support where possible.

Fine out more about us and what we do below.

services

TDRS hold regular services though the year. Shabbat evening services are held every week with morning services are 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. We have a full range of High Holy Days and festival survives. If you would like to attend a service, please contact us first. To find out more about our services go here.

LIFE

We engage with all elements of Jewish life from birth onwards. It is important to us that Jewish life is supported by the community both local and beyond. Whether it is the celebration of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or the comfort in the passing of love ones, we are here for you. Find out more here.

CARE

The care and support of our members is extremely important to us. We also care about our community and strive to support and care for people wherever we can. Close links to local charities and organisations have enabled us to fully engage and care for the community at large. Find out more about our community work here.

synagogue Building project

TDRS have undertaken an ambitious and forward thinking building project. Its aim is to not only to update the current facilities but to look to the future. With the project looking to build a new educational annexe, the community's work within the Jewish community, the local broader community, inter-faith working and beyond will further enhance TDRS's reputation as a leading progressive force. Partnering with local groups and experienced professionals, this is truly a project with wonderful possibilities.

find out more

Our ETHOS

Thanet and District Reform Synagogue underpins the work it does with an ethos that ensures a fair, just, ethical, wide-ranging and inclusive approach. We not only work with our members but also with the wider community in order to be the best organisation we can be.

We are an inclusive community that welcomes diversity. We believe that difference should be celebrated and supported. TDRS welcomes people no matter what their race, culture, background, gender or sexual orientation. We welcome Jewish people to become members but we also welcome those who are thinking of conversion and those of Jewish backgrounds who perhaps want to know more. We celebrate not only Jewish faith but also culture and we can't wait to welcome those who wish to join us.

We see learning as a never ending process of growth. So we encourage it from our younger to oldest. From a lively and fun Cheder Club to regular Torah learning and discussion sessions TDRS has something for everyone. With Reform Judaism we can provide for your Jewish Learning needs whether they be Hebrew lessons or wanting to know more about Jewish life and culture. We also welcome those wishing to re-connect with their Jewish past or even those who are considering conversion.

TDRS is a part of Reform Judaism. So what is 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

TDRS has a commitment to the environment. There is a Jewish tradition of Tikun Olam (repair the world) and we believe that it is our responsibility to ensure that our environmental impact as individuals and as an organisation is a potent one. Environmental issues are at the forefront of many of the decisions we make as a community. In addition to Tikun Olam, we believe that social justice remains at the core of a positive environmental outlook.

Jewish culture continues to be at the centre of TDRS life. From art and food to music and literature, we have a commitment to Jewish cultural life. We believe that, especially in an area with a long Jewish history, it is essential that those longstanding traditions are kept alive and well. As the only full-time synagogue for a considerable distance, we have a special responsibility to keep a vibrant local Jewish culture going both inside and outside of TDRS.

TDRS has a longstanding commitment of engaging with the wider community. We have excellent relationships with other local faith groups and have led inter faith work in Kent. In addition we we engage with local education for visits to the synagogue and education on Jewish faith and culture. We are strong supporters of local, national and international charities and strive to support both Jewish and non-Jewish charities and organisations. In addition we have an active Chesed group that ensures the welfare of our members.

Learning is a lifelong pursuit

Find out more about TDRS Learning

Our People

Thanet and District Reform Synagogue is run for and on behalf of its members. We have a hard working group of people who serve our community and are there to help where possible. Should you with to contact any of them then contact details are here.

Chairman

Ian Smiler has been the TDRS Chairman for 10 years now and also the synagogues treasurer. Ian has been an integral part of the community for many years and ensures the community is well represented.

Rabbi

Rabbi Cliff Cohen is the rabbi for the community. He has held the post for many years and has been pivotal in not only ensuring TDRS is a thriving community but also has strong outside links for example with inter-faith groups.

Senior Warden

Godfrey Fischer is President of TDRS and has worked in numerous positions over many years.He remains an crucial part of the community and continues to undertake essential roles within TDRS including taking services.

Tim Spurrier has been our newsletter editor for a number of years now. He continues to produce the magazine which is published 3 times a year. He also serves on the synagogue council.

cheder

Dr Helene Cohen leads our Cheder group. As a professional educator she continues to take a lively, enjoyable club with the help of other TDRS members. She also serves on the synagogue council.

What's On

Sally Roth compiles our events guide and has been an active member of the community for many years. She is also a member of the synagogue council. Her husband Michael has responsibility for the TDRS website.

Want to visit us?

TDRS is an inclusive and welcoming community. We have regular visitors to our synagogue including groups of school children. Should you, or your group, wish to visit us, feel free to contact us.

Let Us Know You're Coming!