History

Ohel David Today

Ohel David is an Orthodox Sephardi congregation, with services held daily and on Shabbat and festivals. The synagogue remains a spiritual anchor for families across North West London, particularly those whose heritage lies in the Middle East and South Asia.

Life cycle events such as Brit Mila, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and commemorations are celebrated here in a way that reflects the synagogue’s distinctive cultural inheritance. Alongside prayer, the synagogue also plays an important role in preserving and sharing Sephardi and Mizrahi history through communal learning and cultural events.

Whether you are a long standing member, a visitor, or someone discovering this heritage for the first time, Ohel David warmly welcomes you.

A home for Eastern Jewish tradition in North West London

Located on a quiet lane in Golders Green, Ohel David Eastern Synagogue is an Orthodox Sephardi synagogue serving families whose roots lie in the Middle East and South Asia.

Founded in 1959, the synagogue was established by Jews who arrived in the UK from Iraq, India, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria, many seeking safety and stability after periods of persecution and upheaval. These families brought with them not only memories of their former homes, but melodies, customs, and traditions that stretch back over two millennia. These traditions continue to shape synagogue life today.

Named in honour of Rabbi David Sassoon, the renowned Iraqi Jewish scholar, Ohel David follows Nusach Baghdad, one of the oldest continuous Jewish prayer traditions. Services are conducted largely using traditional Iraqi melodies, preserving a liturgical heritage passed down over many generations.

Our Story

Originally known as the Lincoln Institute Synagogue, the congregation settled in the former Eastern Institute buildings on Broadwalk Lane in 1959. It initially formed part of the Eastern Jewry Community, an organisation created to support Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews as they established new communal life in the UK.

Can we put an old photo of lots of people from the congregation here?

In 2001, the congregation purchased the freehold of the building through donations from its members, securing a permanent home for the community. A major refurbishment followed, during which the prayer hall was expanded to double its size, modern facilities were added including a lift, and a dedicated Sukkah was constructed. The result is a warm, welcoming space that supports daily prayer, Shabbat services, festivals, and community celebrations.

A space filled with history

Within its walls, Ohel David safeguards priceless reminders of the journeys that shaped the community. Among them are:

• Two Torah scrolls brought from Baghdad shortly after 1948

• A century old Torah from India, carried by Baghdadi Jews of the subcontinent

• A historic silver Chanukiah from Iraq

• A traditional Brit Mila chair, still used today

It would be nice to insert some photos here of the items - do you have any?

These are not museum pieces. They are living objects, woven into the rhythm of communal life, linking past and present through prayer and practice.

Rabbinical leadership

Ohel David Eastern Synagogue has been guided by a succession of dedicated rabbis who have upheld its religious traditions and strengthened its communal life:

• Rabbi S. Abraham: Served from at least 1980 until at least 1990

• Rabbi Simon Silas: Served from approximately 1992 to 1993

• Rabbi Abraham Gubbay: Served from at least 1994 until July 2010, leading the community for over fifteen years

• Rabbi Asher Sebbag: Serving from approximately 2011 to the present

This continuity of leadership has ensured the preservation of Nusach Baghdad, while allowing the synagogue to grow and adapt within its London setting.

Any idea if we have good photos to go here?