The Two Services

The founders of the Synagogue wanted to break with some of the traditions of the United Synagogue, which were adopted in other Synagogues.

These included: omitting the repetition of the Amidoth, abolishing the ceremony of duchaning (blessings of the priests), reading the Ten Commandments every Shabbat, reading some of the service in English and holding a confirmation service for girls.

However the main "innovation" was to hold two services, one at 8.30am and the second at 11.00am commencing from Nishmath.

In 1889, The Chief Rabbi Nathan Marcus Adler, agreed to the second service starting at 11.00am, but ruled that it must start from Ein Kamocha. He also insisted that they keep the repetition of the Amidoth and the duchaning.

This decision led to nine members of the Hampstead Committee, including the honorary secretary, Ernest D. Löwy, resigning.

Herman Adler, the Chief Rabbi's son, did negotiate with the Committee in that they would be allowed to make changes, including the holding of two services. The second service could start at Barechu or Nishmath, providing it started at 10.00am. This agreement he honoured when he was appointed as Chief Rabbi in 1892.

In 1903, the two services were merged into one.

Today, the Synagogue holds one service on Shabbat morning, starting at 9.15am. The tradition of two services is marked by a fifteen minute break for Kiddush, tea and coffee after the repetition of the Shacharit Amidah, to which the congregation are invited. After the break, the service recommences with Ein Kamocha (or Hallel when appropriate).