New West End Synagogue is among the most beautiful and historic buildings of Jewish interest in England and is a Grade I listed building. The texts that adorn the walls concentrate on the ideas of divine knowledge and worship, as well as practice, duty and love. The magnificent rose window above the Ark illustrates numerous aspects of Jewish ritual and tradition. But we are much more than our architecture. Read on to meet our Rabbi and the team, and visit the shul to experience this beautiful place first-hand.
What makes us different?
The New West End Synagogue in St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, is one of the oldest and undoubtedly the most beautiful synagogue buildings in London and, indeed, in the country. It is only the second synagogue to achieve Grade I listed status and has been described by English Heritage as “the architectural high watermark of Anglo-Jewish architecture”.
The synagogue, which is a constituent of the United Synagogue (Orthodox), serves the Jewish communities of Bayswater, Notting Hill, Kensington, Hammersmith and West London. Opened in 1879, it has in recent years enjoyed a major communal renaissance.
The New West End can boast the only full-time professional synagogue choir in the London area. They participate in all Shabbat and Yom Tov services held in the Shul, as well as singing at weddings and other special services.
The professional a cappella choir, ‘Mosaic Voices’, led by Michael Etherton, specialises in performing sacred music from the Jewish tradition and in developing this unique musical heritage for the future. Mosaic Voices also performs a wider variety of contemporary and classical secular works.
The New West End provides a full range of communal activities for all ages and tastes.
These include regular adult education seminars and lectures; an active social committee; a Guild, which organises a range of lectures, outings and charitable activities and a Cares Group, which ensures that elderly and infirm members receive regular contact.
Meet Rabbi Aaron Lipsey and Rebbetzen Miriam Lipsey, who joined the New West End Synagogue in December 2025.
