Step into Mill Hill United Synagogue on a Shabbat morning, to a community characterised by warmth, energy and community. Guy Davis, Chair, explains that it is the people and their myriad ways of connecting, who Mill Hill so special.
Having grown up in central London, he was part of a very different community – a loyal but ageing post-war community. It was close-knit but quieter, with little to no youth activities or new young families joining. Jewish life happened, but it didn’t buzz in the way it does today at Mill Hill.
Guy had always been connected and involved with the Jewish community, where he chaired committees and helped establish initiatives for charities such as Norwood, MDA and GIFT. Professionally, he runs his own law practice, so leadership and responsibility were never new. But synagogue life, for a time, became less central for him, until family changed everything.
“When we had our first child we knew we needed to find a local shul with an emphasis on children. Mill Hill United offered us a wonderful infrastructure designed for families. On any given Shabbat, there are up to five children’s services, plus a dedicated youth service.
Mill Hill is home to many younger families alongside long-standing members and an increasingly visible South African contingent. Once a month, a Johannesburg-style ruach is brought to Shabbat morning services in North West London through “Re-JEW-venation”, the popular South African-style Friday night service which fills the shul.
Our members and visitors feel very connected here, whatever their involvement might be. From security teams and volunteer networks to women’s learning, youth programming and the wonderful North Mill Hill winter Friday night services hosted in people’s homes, members don’t just attend, they contribute and feel part of it.
Women’s engagement is particularly strong, with a range of learning, events and initiatives. The cultural and educational calendar is equally full. We run monthly events, often in partnership with external organisations, covering everything from Israeli culture and Holocaust remembrance to talks by leading public figures. Children are at the heart of what we offer, with many special programmes designed for them. Our Glow-in-the-Dark Chanukah party is just one recent example.
Simchas are another hallmark. This year alone, Mill Hill is celebrating around 50 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, with next year’s calendar already filling fast. Almost every week brings another celebration.”
Taking on the role of Chair came at the right moment for Guy. His children were older, lockdown had prompted deeper reflection and learning, and a powerful pre-pandemic trip to Poland with the synagogue had left a lasting impression. Increased attendance, study and connection followed naturally.”
When asked what he’s most proud of, two moments stand out. “The first was the community’s response after October 7, when Mill Hill quickly organised a powerful solidarity event attended by prominent communal and political figures and other events in solidarity with Israel. The second is our Bereavement Befriender initiative, led by Debra Fisher. We have trained volunteer listeners who support those who are grieving. The feedback has been extraordinary and the compassion behind it epitomises Mill Hill’s ethos.”
“It’s inclusive in a very natural way,” he says. “If you want to get involved, you have full support and a blank canvas. And if you don’t, that’s fine too. People are not judgmental. They are simply happy you are there.”
There are now second and third generations firmly rooted in the Mill Hill community, and continuity is the key. The community has been led brilliantly by Rabbi and Rebetzen Schochet for 30 years, and more recently Rabbi and Rebetzen Rose have also joined as our community rabbinic couple. New families are arriving, grandparents are moving closer to their children and grandchildren, along with a steady flow of life-cycle events. Mill Hill continues to grow through warmth, participation and care.
