When Ruth Topper moved to Kenton forty six years ago, it was a practical step: her husband’s job had brought them from Manchester to London, and her sister had just returned from Israel and settled in the area. What she didn’t expect was how quickly the community would become home. “Coming from Manchester, Kenton felt surprisingly affordable and very welcoming. We joined almost immediately,” she recalls.
Ruth’s journey from new member to Chair wasn’t planned but grew naturally from years of involvement. “I started out running Tiny Tots. Back then, the community was full of young families with multiple children’s services, youth services, everything. I became really involved, juggling my roles with my professional career as a GP. I was on the Education Committee, later as Chair of Cheder and then on the Shul Council and later the US Council .”
With time, leadership felt like a natural next step. “You just want to do for the community. You see what it needs, you care, and slowly you graduate into these roles.”
Kenton today is a smaller, older and tightly knit community which Ruth says, brings its own strengths. “As the community has become more mature, it’s become more inclusive and incredibly friendly. People look out for one another in a way that’s sometimes harder in very large shuls. There is a real richness in the experience and life stories of our members.”
Though the shrinking demographic presents challenges, the average age is now in the 70s, the shul remains remarkably active. “The building is lovely, and our members deserve to enjoy it. We want people to be comfortable and proud of their shul.”
The calendar at Kenton remains full. There are plenty of social events throughout the year, events every chag, a big Chanukah party, and weekly Kiddushim that serve as important social time. On Thursdays, “Tea & Chat” brings in members who can’t manage Shabbat services, offering games, music and companionship.
Kenton’s Zoom community continues to thrive too, with the Kabbalat Shabbat attracting 10–20 screens each week, whilst regular Shabbat services usually attract at least 60 people. It is very welcoming.
And then there is the quiet but powerful heart of the community: the Ladies Guild. “They are truly the backbone,” Ruth says. “From catering to helping at functions, supporting members, organising, cooking, so much of Kenton’s warmth and hospitality is thanks to them and to ReJEWvenate who organise most of the events round the Chagim as well as other functions. . You only see the surface; behind it is hours of love and work.” Supporting eveyone is our security team who week after week ensure the community’s safety.
Care in Kenton is also active, checking in on members, offering lifts, and ensuring no one is forgotten on a yahrzeit or during difficult times. “It’s a community where people notice. Someone misses a week? Someone phones. Someone needs help? Someone steps in.”
Currently, Rabbi Black is on sabbatical, but his kindness and gentle support have long been pillars of Kenton life. Despite working as a Rabbi for the Shul on a part-time basis, he always makes time for pastoral care as well as his religious duties. “He has an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel seen and valued.” His summer shiurim, held in his home, are a highlight of the community calendar. They are warm, thoughtful gatherings that bring in members.
The shul continues to celebrate simchas, including second Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Rebbetzen Black is involved in helping those who want to prepare for a bat mitzvah later in life. “It’s very touching.”
What keeps Kenton thriving, Ruth believes, is a spirit of togetherness. “In a smaller community, you pull together as you have to. It is because of that, it’s warm, vibrant, and full of heart.”
She pauses, then adds, “Kenton may be smaller than it once was, but what we have is something very precious. A community that cares deeply. A community that shows up. A community that feels like family.”
26 November 2025