Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue (BES) is one of the UK’s largest Jewish communities. Operating across two sites, BES@Croxdale and BES@Yavneh, it plays a central role in Jewish life in Borehamwood. The Rabbinic Team includes Rabbi Alex and Rebbetzen Eva Chapper, Rabbi Greg and Rebbetzen Hannah Bank, and Rabbi Yaacov Finn, who work closely together to support the community.
Rebbetzen Chapper describes the community’s demographic, saying, “BES is one of the largest and most diverse Jewish communities in the UK. From young families to retirees, everyone finds their place here.” Both she and Rabbi Chapper emphasise that the size of the community does not come at the expense of personal connection. “Even though we’re a large community, we work hard to create a small-community feel,” they explained. “People need to feel seen.”
This approach is shared by the whole Rabbinic Team. “On Shabbat, our two sites – Croxdale and Yavneh are busy with activity,” says Rebbetzen Hannah Bank. “We run multiple services, children’s groups, youth activities and learning sessions for all ages.” Rabbi Greg Bank notes that this continues throughout the week: “BES offers a wide range of activities, including social events, education programmes and cultural evenings. Our VIBES programmes include Foodies, Book Club and a community orchestra.” The Rabbinic team all agree this is only possible thanks to the incredible work done by the dedicated volunteers and professional staff.
A few years ago, BES launched a strategic initiative called Reimagining Community. One key finding emerged: people may attend events, but they stay because of relationships. “That was a turning point,” Rabbi Chapper says. “Since then, everything we plan is designed to help people connect.” For Rabbi Yaacov Finn, this is especially clear in the community’s support networks. “Our Chesed programmes provide help where it’s needed most,” he explains. “From food parcels and hospital visits to supporting families through difficult times – community means looking after one another.”
BES has also found unity through its support for Israel. Over the past two years, the community has held weekly vigils, stood together in solidarity, and organised a joint service marking the anniversary of 7 October. “The support our community has shown for Israel has been deeply moving,” Rabbi Chapper says. “We are proudly Zionist and committed to standing with Israel.”
Despite the size of the community, visitors consistently comment on its atmosphere. “I always worry that such a large community could feel overwhelming,” Rabbi Chapper says. “But people regularly tell us how friendly and welcoming BES is. That means a lot.”
The Rabbinic Team works closely with the lay leadership to ensure that every person, whether a regular attendee or someone returning after many years, feels comfortable. “We’re a team of teams,” Rabbi Chapper says. “No one leads alone. Our aim is simple: for every person to feel they belong.”
Rebbetzen Eva & Rabbi Alex Chapper
Rebbetzen Hannah & Rabbi Greg Bank
Rabbi Yaacov Finn
11 December 2025