Our Story Begins
Jewish families had been living in Cockfosters and Southgate for some time, but it wasn’t until March 1948 that a new synagogue was established by a group from Palmers Green, initially named the ‘Southgate and Cockfosters Hebrew Congregation’. Due to the name conflict with Palmers Green and Southgate Synagogue, it was renamed Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue. Notably, our Shul is two months older than the State of Israel. In 1949, the synagogue acquired its current site on Old Farm Avenue. Significant development began in the 1950s with the foundation stone laid in 1954. Rabbi Ronald Lubofsky was the first minister of the newly established congregation but left a year later to take up a position at the Great Synagogue in Sydney, Australia, leading to the temporary appointment of Rev Joseph Herman as Minister/Chazan.
In 1958, Rabbi Raphael and Rebbetzen Mariette Cymberg succeeded Rabbi Lubofsky, and our membership grew to nearly 700. This growth necessitated larger facilities, leading to the inauguration of a new communal hall and classroom block in 1965, named after founding member Maurice Tillkoff. Reverend Aharon Segal, accompanied by his wife Nechama and their children, joined as full-time Chazan soon after, and in 1969 a satellite minyan was established in Freston Gardens, Cockfosters, which continues to this day.
By the 1970s, our cheder had over 400 children, making it one of the largest in the United Synagogue. After 28 years of service, Rabbi Cymberg retired and was succeeded by Rabbi Yisroel Fine, who, along with Rebbetzen Judy and their children, brought significant advancements to our community. During their tenure, the Beit Midrash was refurbished, Wolfson Hillel School was established with Rabbi Fine as a founding governor and its Honorary Principal, and the Cockfosters Learning Centre was founded. Additionally, a satellite community in Hadley Wood was developed, becoming an independent United Synagogue member in 2013. In 1990, Reverend Dov Speier, together with his wife Edit and their children, succeeded Reverend Segal.
In 1992, Wolfson Hillel Primary School opened nearby as a United Synagogue school, with Rabbi Fine as its Honorary Principal. In 1998, our Beit Hamidrash was refurbished and dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Cymberg. In 2004, we formalised our commitment to adult education with the establishment of the Cockfosters Learning Centre (CLC). In 2010, we dedicated beautiful stained-glass windows from Swansea Synagogue and opened the Southgate Mikveh the following year.
After Rabbi Fine retired in 2013, Rabbi Daniel Epstein accompanied by Rebbetzen Ilana and their children, joined CNSS in 2014. Under their leadership, the community experienced numerous significant developments, including the establishment of a national Mental Health Awareness Shabbaton, Pink Shabbat for BRCA gene mutation awareness, and hosting parliamentary hustings. They also promoted active participation in Shabbat UK, introduced an annual New Members’ Shabbat, and organised a memorable trip to Poland. Their tenure received praise from the Jewish Chronicle’s Secret Shul Goer and left a lasting impact on CNSS. In 2018/19, we celebrated our seventieth anniversary with a beautiful thanksgiving service and lunch attended by Chief Rabbi Mirvis. The same year, we opened The Hub as a space for relaxation, activities, and events, and appointed a dedicated Hub events coordinator.
Following the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to temporary closures and restrictions, CNSS reemerged with engaging services and exciting programmes, and in 2021 Rabbi Meir and Rebbetzen Rina Shindler were appointed, beginning their tenure during Chanukah of that year. At the same time, a successful fundraising campaign raised over £150,000 to install a Shabbat-compliant lift and to renovate the hall. Our community continues to thrive, always looking out for one another and embracing new opportunities.