5/6 June 2026

And there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak, the giants), and we seemed to ourselves like grasshoppers, and so we seemed to them. — Numbers 13:33

I’ve always loved this verse. It is as much about self-worth as it is about the fear of the unknown and trying scary new things.

The world feels, and indeed is, daunting right now. Keeping ourselves safe while remaining open-hearted is hard work. However, this past week, the Jewish charity HIAS-JCORE honoured our congregation by naming us the very first Synagogue of Sanctuary, a recognition of who we have been for the past 11 years.

Alongside being an active, working community that cares for our own, marks our individual milestones and ensures Jewish confidence and consolation, we have been acknowledged as a synagogue that is deeply concerned for others. We act on our empathy to ‘pay forward’ the welcome and care so many of our own families once received here.

It is a great honour. Rabbi David Mason, who leads HIAS-JCORE, said:

“On behalf of the Assessment Panel that met with you yesterday, I would like to say how delighted we are to award you the status of the first Synagogue of Sanctuary. This is a special moment both for Cities of Sanctuary and for HIAS-JCORE – and the decision was unanimous. We were all inspired and massively impressed by the breadth of work that you undertake.”

Barnet Council representatives, who also sat on the judging panel, commended the speed with which we found alternative (temporary) homes for the activities and clubs we’ve had to pause right now. We remain deeply committed to refugee settlement and asylum welcome.

We will soon mark this achievement and celebrate the extraordinary congregants who have led this work, truly making FPS a House of Justice as well as a House of Prayer, Learning and Acts of Loving-Kindness.

Shabbat morning 13th June and Tuesday evening 16th June.

(See below – please book for Tuesday 16th, or just come along to our Shabbat service on the 13th.)

Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca