We are Shir Hayim - Song of Life'. We adopted our new title in 1998 to better represent the spirit of our Community. Our services, while traditional, are a joyous affair. This is reflected in the entire community's joining in the singing of prayer, as well as the way all participate in the various aspects of the service.
    Previously we were known as Hampstead Reform Jewish Community. We are a full constituent member of the Movement for Reform Judaism (formerly RSGB-Reform Synagogues of Great Britain) and the only Reform community in the Hampstead area.
    Our community was founded in 1975 by a dedicated band of Reform Jews intent on creating a local group with an ethos of informality and religious commitment. We have achieved, and maintained, much of what they set out to do.

    We also celebrate all the Jewish festivals together. The High Holy Days and the communal Seder at Passover are high points of our year. (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Pesach Seder services are held in venues other than Hashomer House, so please contact us if you need further details.)
    Services are always warm, and held in intimate surroundings. they are characterised by flexibility and respect for both traditional and modern Jewish forms. We allow families to sit together, and encourage all members to participate, without regard to gender. We welcome all visitors. We have recently introduced our own non-sexist version of the Reform Movement's Shabbat prayerbook.
    We have occasional communal meals (Chavurah-style), as well as other types of social events.

Forthcoming Events at Shir Hayim

• Wednesday 22 July: Shir Hayim Summer Outing to Waddesdon Manor, home of Baron Ferdinand Rothschild.

• Wednesday 29 July, Tisha B’Av evening service, including the Book of Lamentations and other texts concerning the tragedies of Jewish history, 8:30 pm at Hashomer House.

• Thursday 30 July, Tisha B’Av, fast day in commemoration of the tragedies of Jewish history.

• Wednesday 26 August, High Holy Day Singing Practice, 8 pm at the Tepers’. (Also 9 and 16 September.) We will be learning a few new tunes.

• Saturday 5 September, Gay Teper’s family will be out in force at our Shabbat morning service to commemorate the anniversary of the death of her mother, the late Flower Elias.

• Saturday 12 September, Selichot Service, 8:30 pm at Hashomer House, singing, study and discussion in preparation for the penitential High Holy Day season.

• Friday 18 September, Erev Rosh Hashanah.
• Saturday 19 September, 1st day of Rosh Hashanah.

• Sunday 27 September, Kol Nidre – Erev Yom Kippur.
• Monday 28 September, Yom Kippur.

• Friday 2 October, Erev Sukkot.
• Saturday 3 October, 1st day of Sukkot.

• Friday 9 October, Erev Shmini ‘Atzeret – Simchat Torah.
• Saturday 10 October, Shmini ‘Atzeret – Simchat Torah.

• Wednesday 14 October, Adult Education resumes, 8 pm at Lois’ home, Midrash Rabbah on Genesis and the apochryphal Book of Ecclesiasticus, a.k.a. Ben Sira.