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2021-12-31-accounts

FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE ANNUAL REPORT 2021- 2022

WHO'S WHO AT FPS 2021-2022

Life President Sheila King Lassman and Alan Banes
President Paul Silver-Myer
Vice-Presidents Renzo Fantoni; Josie Kinchin; Alex Kinchin-Smith;
Laura Lassman; Lionel King Lassman; Andrea
Rappoport; Joan Shopper; Cathy Burnstone
Directors Chair: Tamara Joseph
Vice-Chair: Ann Pelham
Treasurer: Roy Balint-Kurti
Honorary Secretary: Paula Kinchin-Smith
Board Gordon Greenfield, Beverley Kafka, Samantha
King, Mike Rocks
Professional Rabbi: Rabbi Rebecca Birk
Emeritus Rabbi: Rabbi Dr Frank Hellner
Musicians in residence: Franklyn Gellnick & Dean
Staker
Operations Community Development
and Education Manager: Zoe Jacobs
Administrator: Pauline Gusack
Bookkeeper: Hilary Roer
Cleaner Gracielle Wolf Garcia

RABBI’S REPORT by Rabbi Rebecca Birk

IVDU ADONAI B’SIMCHA…. WORSHIP GOD IN JOY Psalm 100:2

I looked at last year’s reporting-I noted it’ had been an extraordinary year. And so has this year been also.

This slow return to normality, as restrictions have fallen and responsibility for care has lain solely with us has also been extraordinary. What we have is the new challenge of being hybrid of ensuring accessibility whilst encouraging folk to return to minyan and showing up for each other and our building if and when they can.

It is a balance of intricate delicacy to ensure both are available and possible.

What different times we now live in when thinking of accessibility and tech possibilities accompanies every event. And I begin by thanking Michael L, David L, Paul S, Bobbie H, Annabel R and so many other volunteers.

Through the distress and shrinking of the world around us, I believe we have grown and strengthened parts of communal life, in most unexpected ways. If I could tell you some of the things that emerged, it gives new hope and possibilities for us as a congregation. We continue to priories relationships over transactions, we want to be a community that thrives on connections through lifecycle events, community moments of gathering, learning, social justice and gathering for prayer and marking the Jewish year.

So let me tell you some of the successful strong moments of this year that bring pride.

learn alongside beloved old timers of FPS who want to learn and investigate more. Nine proselytes-people converting makes this an incredibly rich year.

I look forward to next year’s challenges.

ADULT LEARNING by Adrian Lister

Beit Midrash talks, online on Thursday evenings, were as follows:

January 10: Rabbi Thomas Salamon and Professor Diana Paton - Jews in the Caribbean

January – February 2021: Israel series: (1) Women Against Violence and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel; (2) My Israel, with Irris & Sid Singer, Michael Aradi, David & Abigail Dolan and John Rubinstein; (3) Our Israel, between Wrestling and Embrace: Rabbi Lea Mühlstein

March 2021: What a Deputy Does, with Karen Newman, Lauren Keiles, Janet Tresman and Stanley Volk

May 2021: Escape from Tyranny series: (1) Agnes Kaposi in conversation with Richard Greene: Hungary and its Jews under Nazism and Communism; (2) Lesley Urbach: A Ray of Sunshine in Utter Darkness; (3) Josephine Jackson: Trevor Chadwick - forgotten hero of the Kindertransport?

July 2021: Atira Winchester, Director of Programming at NIF: (1) Unrest & uncertainty in Israel: How did we get here? (2) Moving forward towards a fairer Israel.

July 2021: Dawn Waterman (BoD) - Hidden Treasures

November 2021: Ernie Hunter – It will Soon Blow Over

Café Ivriah discussions continued online at 10 am on Sunday mornings:

January 17: James Levy - For what does FPS exist?

January 24 Braham Fredman - Jews and sport

January 31: Michael Lassman - Is there a difference between Faith and Belief?

February 14: Paul Silver-Myer – Baby Love

February 21: Chris Nash – Who wrote the Torah?

February 28: Michael Lassman and Adrian Lister - Divine light

March 14 Stanley Volk - Tikkun Olam

April 11: Lesley Urbach – Freedom of Speech

May 9: Richard Greene - Being Jewish makes you a better person May 23: Ann Andrews - How can we as individuals reduce waste?

June 6: Chris Nash - Is Liberal Judaism a post-Halachic movement?

June 13: Richard Greene – Do Jews Count?

June 20: Sarah Franks – Jewish Pride

July 4: Chris Nash – Does keeping kosher cause planes to crash?

September 30: Adrian Lister – Bring me Sunshine

October 10: Louise Meltzer - Is it possible to be a heretical 21st century progressive Jew?

October 17: Chris Nash - Should an ‘Egypt Day’ be added to the Jewish calendar?

October 24: Ann Andrews - Do we need religion to provide us with structure and purpose?

November 21: Adrian Lister - Ethical Dilemmas

November 28: James Levy – Truth

December 5: Chris Nash - Electronic Shabbat - Should we turn off our phones?

December 12: Ann Andrews & Adrian Lister - What is the purpose of human life?

Thanks to all those who stepped forward to suggest and present discussion ideas, and to Rabbi Rebecca for her monthly Torah-inspired sessions.

Café Ivriah also hosted several community-wide discussions:

March 21: Food Poverty, with the founders of Food Bank Aid: North London & Finchley Foodbank

April 4: Mimouna Brunch

April 25: Barnet Citizens’ campaign on mental health support for young people.

September 26: Brain Health, with Dementia Prevention UK.

Adrian Lister

BEIT TEFILLAH by Valerie Joseph (chair)

The Committee at present has the following members Valerie Joseph (Chair), Rabbi Rebecca, Zoe Jacobs, Josie Kinchin, Michael Lassman, Alex Gellnick, Nina Stubbings

The Committee continues to support Rabbi Rebecca with the running of the Services. Since Wika stepped down, Alex has been liaising with Rabbi Rebecca with regard to Services that need covering and thank you to her and Franklyn who have led a number of Saturday morning Services.

Dean and Franklyn have separate meetings with Rabbi Rebecca so no longer attend BT but thanks to them and Natasha Kafka for the wonderful musical accompaniment to Services.

Initially immediately after the last AGM numbers in the Shul building were restricted and places had to be booked. As the year went on restrictions eased and BT had many discussions regarding Hybrid Services and how they would work to the best advantage of all. It was decided that Mitzvot should only be offered to those in the Shul building.

As per last year, Josie has worked extremely hard to produce copies of the various readings that can be shared on the screen and sent out links to prayerbooks as there is an appreciation that not everyone has a copy of Siddur Lev Chadash at home and members continue to join Zoom even though there is no restriction to Shul attendance. Thanks to Valerie Boyd-Hellner for continuing to arrange for Haftarah readers. Other Shabbat mitzvot are dealt with by me or whoever is acting as welcomer. Josie continues to host the vast majority of the Services on Zoom.

Thanks also, of course, to all those who deal with the technology in the Shul, trained and led by Michael Lassman and David Lewis. Beit Tefillah is now including a Technology report on the Agenda.

The High Holyday Service Mitzvot were allocated at a meeting of BT and the running order of Services was agreed. Members were given the option of attending 2 Services of their choice over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. All Services were hybrid and it ran extremely smoothly thanks to a lot or hard work and organisation by members of the community of the day.

Other Services were hybrid including a very successful Communal Seder. Purim included a Car Rally for which thanks are due to Nina for the amount of work she put into arranging it and the usual Purim Spiel and Meghilla reading was enjoyed by all. Thanks to all involved.

The possibility of holding a “Relaxed Service” was discuss and it was agreed that this should be tried. The decision has resulted in two very successful Friday night Services and is something that will be continued.

The Czech Scroll Service continued to be an important event in the calendar and thanks to the Committee who liaised with Rabbi Rebecca to make it so successful.

Although our meetings continue on Zoom the Committee looks forward to being in Shul more often to provide more support for Rabbi Rebecca. Pauline has now arranged a rota of Zoom Hosts/co-Hosts to free up Josie and myself and Michael and David are training techies to they can be congregants occasionally.

B’NEI MITZVAH PROGRAMME REPORT By Josie Kinchin

An improvement this past year has been welcomed by the B’nei Mitzvah students and their families and we were finally able to celebrate with some of them in the building as the restrictions began to ease. In July Ben Abrahamson and Jonah Brandon-Rocks were probably the first ones back in the building with a decent size number of guests. Ellie Jackson & Maia Rosenberg delighted us with their D’var in September and in October, Hannah Stubbings was lucky enough to have a big kiddush celebration outside in the car park! Aaron Pennisi-Glaser had delayed and delayed but he was finally able to stand proud on the Bimah in November. This year, 2022, has been a little quieter and Toby Wayne and his family were the very first, in May, to have a full congregation since March 2020 and a full kiddush.

However, there are several on the horizon! The 13-14 year olds and another Adult celebration to look forward to. Then, of course, those youngsters whose B’nei Mitzvah fell in 2019-2020 will be celebrating their end of formal FPS Ivriah education with their Kabbalat Torah in early July. Please do support these youngsters at 13 and 15 by coming into the synagogue to celebrate with them. They are doing this, not only for themselves and their families but so many of them mention the community in their d’var – it means so much to them that they are part of FPS.

Of course, we need to thank their teacher, John Rubinstein and the support of Rabbi Rebecca on their path to Jewish adulthood – I just deal with the logistics! If your child is about to enter Year 7, do make sure you have registered him or her for their special day. It’s such a meaningful celebration for all of us.

BOARD OF DEPUTIES by Stanley Volk

The work of the Board of Deputies is wide and diverse, and I would like to give a few examples, and to mention a number of significant achievements this year.

The Board has been campaigning long and hard for the proscription of Hamas in its entirety as a terrorist organisation and in 2021 we were very happy that the Government legislated to ban its so-called political wing, meaning it can no longer lobby for support in this country.

Many of you will have been distressed by the BBC actions following the antisemitic attack on teenagers celebrating Chanukah on a bus in central London last November. The Board supplied forensic evidence which conclusively refuted BBC reports that there had been anti-Muslim abuse coming from the bus. The BBC’s Executive Complaints Unit agreed with us that the BBC did not meet standards of due accuracy and impartiality.The Board are now working to supply evidence to a new Ofcom investigation into BBC handling of the incident.

The Board have been focusing on the issue of online hate which is the new frontline against antisemitism. Thanks to Board of Deputies campaigning, the Government wrote to social media companies asking for the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism so that so that racists will no longer be able to harass Jewish users with impunity.

The Board have provided support for Chinese Uyghurs who have been cruelly persecuted in their home country

The Board are working in the community to facilitate the implementation of the ground-breaking Commission on Racial Inclusivity in the Jewish Community which considered 17 areas of Jewish communal life and made 119 recommendations. And working with our partner organisation EcoSynagogue, we were out in force at the COP26 summit in November.

The Board have serious concerns about the distressing reports received regarding violent harassment of women praying at the Kotel during the Women of the Wall’s monthly service. The Board have informed Mr Yaakov Hogoel, Chair of World Zionist Organization and Mr Michael Siegal, Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency of our concerns

In addition, The Board provide official inspection of religious education in Jewish schools through the Pikuach organisation and our team monitors and protects our religious freedoms. Whatever your interests or concerns as a Jew, the Board of Deputies is here for you. Janet and I regularly attend Board meetings, and I regularly post on our Facebook page Board news of interest.

BOOK GROUP By Shelia Lassman

No pandemic would lessen our commitment to the monthly meeting with our fellow bibliophiles. We have met, on Zoom, throughout these difficult years, missing the face to face experience, as well as the tea and cake shared round a hospitable table.

Is it coincidence, or a subconscious desire to travel again, that has made us choose books set overseas and in the current uncertain world, books whose themes reflect contemporary anxieties. We have been in a fearsome mountain retreat where Jews were meant to be safe as Hitler’s plans became ever clearer. Aharon Applefeld’s The Retreat was very dark and to some of us very depressing. We were made aware again of the awfulness of civil war, this time in Cyprus where erstwhile good neighbours, Turkish and Greek, fell to betraying and killing one another. The book was The Island of Missing Trees by Elef Shafik. The Artificial Silk Girl, by Ingrid Keuhn took us to decadent Berlin in the nineteen thirties, the startling contrast between the bright lights of the cabaret and the poverty that lay behind it as inflation soared and people starved. We have been in Cuba with Leon Padura, Heretics; in New York, with Oedipus in Brooklyn, powerful and moving short stories by Blume Lempel, translated from the Yiddish. Less troubling and more entertaining, we enjoyed Simenon’s Maigret and the Old Woman, translated by our own Ros Schwartz, who was the `founder’ of this lovely group.

The last book of our year, Death and the Penguin, by Andrey Kurkov, an established Ukrainian novelist, could not have been more appropriate at this time. Set in Kiev in 1995. It is a story of hope after the collapse of the Soviet Union and disillusion with what seemed to be taking its place. How prophetic.

COMMUNITY CARE SUPPORT by Beverley Kafka

The year has flown by since my last AGM report and what a year it’s been. Our dedicated volunteers continue to call members in need of a chat and support those bereaved. Thank you, Corinne, Jackie, Rabbi Rebecca, Ruth and Emma, for continuing with this incredible work, ably assisted by Pauline, linking us up with each other.

The festival gift packages team have continued unabated, delivering over 100 bags during the year. Thank you to Susanna, Emma, Ruth, Margot, Bill, Mick, Ann, Bobby and Barry, your efforts are appreciated by every recipient and I know how rewarding it can be, to see the pleasure such a small token of friendship can bring.

As people start to pick up their daily activities again, our Zoom social group has reduced in number, but with the help and support of Barbara Shulman we have also launched the Monday Afternoon Club, which now takes place on the last Monday of

each month. We have had some fun entertainment and interesting chats over tea and cake, so would love to see you at FPS at 3pm each month.

I have updated the Adult Safeguarding Policy drawn up by Maureen Lobatto and Ann Pelham in 2019, which has now been adopted by the board.

This year I am looking forward to connecting people who would like to experience a shabbat or festival celebration in a home, with those who feel they can offer and host this experience once in a while. It does not need to be a regular commitment, so please contact me to discuss this further if you are interested in any way.

I look forward to carrying on this role during the coming year. If you have any ideas or needs, please do not hesitate to contact me. Shalom, Beverley Kafka

EDUCATION by Zoe Jacobs

IVRIAH

We’ve had a good year at Ivriah. The pandemic interrupted a lot of our learning and meant there were times when all learning was online. I was very grateful to Paula and Asher Kinchin-Smith who enabled our Zoom learning. We were delighted to be back in the classroom, albeit with Covid guidelines in place. We have had 5 new children join, 3 new assistants, a new Hebrew curriculum for our B’nei Mitzvah students, and a new Holocaust programme. Highlights of the year include our first Shabbat B’yachad back in the synagogue and our youngest students’ virtual tour of Israel (and their very delicious homemade pitta bread).

Festival Explorers:

We created the Festival Explorers programme to welcome families to FPS. The programme brings young families on the journey of our Jewish festivals cycle, giving them 9 moments of creative Jewish learning as they follow the festivals. This yearlong programme culminates with a celebratory Friday Night Dinner. We encourage these families to join Ivriah after their graduation. in the children transferring to Ivriah. Five families, with a total of ten children, have celebrated, baked, crafted, and tasted their way through the year.

KT

Our Kabbalat Torah group participated in the Harry Jacobi Memorial Project this year. Because of the pandemic, they sadly couldn’t go on the Amsterdam trip – but well made up for this with a trip to Nottingham and hearing Janine Webber’s testimony. It was their suggestion to invite her to our own synagogue.

In the second year of running the HJMP, it feels like we have clearer aims, and certainly the extraordinary Holocaust Memorial Day ceremony our teens ran, with guest Janine Webber BEM, was a tribute to their hard work and thoughtfulness. After a challenging and often online B’nei Mitzvah year, our new KT1 group are delighted to be meeting in person. They’ve chosen to maintain their relationship with our fantastic Hebrew teacher, John, and have been learning Hebrew for 90 minutes each week with a milkshake and finishing the evening with card games. It’s brilliant to see our teenagers engaging in Judaism in their own way, building meaningful relationships and friendships.

FOOD BANK AID by Peggy Sherwood

Food Bank Aid once again for this year has been an FPS High Holy Day Appeal Charity but we have also continued throughout the year raising awareness of the need for food banks and the Jewish tradition of giving and helping others less fortunate than ourselves. With more food banks in the UK than there now are McDonalds Outlets, the need is all the more pressing.

The High Holy Day Appeal raised about £4000 for FBA and one cold afternoon in February, Rabbi Rebecca, KT students and a core of FPS members visited the new Hub in North Finchley opposite the Vue Cinema to make a formal presentation of the cheque, deliver goods and also tour the Hub and hear from FBA’s founder, Naomi Russell. She explained how FPS has been there for FBA since its launch at the start of the Pandemic in 2020 and how much FPS means to FBA.

Throughout the year, we have also tried to theme collections of goods at FPS with the various festivals. For instance, at Yom Kippur we asked members to bring what they would have eaten that day, at Valentine’ Day Food that You Love, at Pesach Chametz and at Shavuot dairy products etc.

FBA are also keen to give back to FPS – when FPS was arranging to deliver bags of fruit to Afghan Refugees in bridging hotels, FBA provided over £200 worth of fruit for us to deliver to them. Also FBA arranged for a young speaker to come in to talk to the pre-B’nei Mitzvah Ivriah class about having FBA as a Tzedakah project, and also they arranged for two young people to speak to the KT Group about focussing on FBA for the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

FPS has just signed up to Rene Cassin’s Jewish Food Rights Declaration which they will be launching ahead of World Hunger Day on 28th May.

It has been mutually beneficial building bridges between FPS and FBA and as our two year formal bond with FBA as a High Holy Day charity draws to a close, we hope to

continue the relationship we have built and continue to collect and donate items to them.

Peggy Sherwood, Alison Rees and Margot Katz, FPS Community Ambassadors for FBA

FPS WEBSITE by Philip Karstadt

The Synagogue’s website, www.fps.org, continues to develop and be well used. 2021 saw over 10,000 visits, up on the previous year, mostly either arriving directly or through the result of online searches. It was an important source of information during this unprecedented period, containing news about events at the Synagogue and the latest updates on the Covid-19 situation. Away from the Home page the most popular sections are “Who we are”, “Shabbat” and the “Contact” page. Links to social media, in particular Facebook, continue to be improved. A new “What’s On” section has been set up listing weekly events.

The monthly copy of Shofar continues to be uploaded to the website and an online archive of previous issues, stretching back to 2012, is available from the Shofar webpage. Rabbi Rebecca’s weekly thoughts are also available and archived. The Dvar Torah area was set up several years ago but so far has attracted a small number of contributions – more would be welcome and can be initiated by emailing fpswebsite@fps.org .

We are always looking for new ideas as to what could be included on the website and would welcome any suggestions.

GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE by Barbara Shulman

Having dead headed the roses last summer and then got a team together to clean all the silver behind the Bimah doors, I decided there was a need to form a committee thus The General-Purpose committee was formed GPC for short.

We are a group of volunteers who take on many different tasks within the building all done on an ad hoc basis. We tackle anything from clearing out rubbish to disposing of items not used and have just completed sorting the kitchen under the guidance of Zoe.

In December a Whatsapp link enabled all members to be informed of future projects and also enables us to ‘chat’ amongst ourselves.

We have moved the siddurim bookcase to the sanctuary and the Tree of Life was then repositioned to a more prominent area. The large cabinet housing the FPS shop was removed. The shop was relaunched albeit in a condensed version, contained in a wall cabinet constructed by Stanley Volk. This is positioned next to the siddurim cabinet.

Other jobs completed include sorting and filing the library, decluttering the electricity room, repairing tired siddurim and clearing the shed. Jane has been to the tip so many times she is on first name terms with all the men there!

Future projects include moving spare chairs to the shed, jet washing the decking and tidying the Memorial Garden.

New members are always welcome so please contact me any time. barbara@fps.org

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE by Gordon Greenfield

The work of the group this year has centred around three particular aspects:

  1. What can we do to hold on to our younger members when they reach 18+?

We have devised a new structure of membership fees for young people who would like to retain their connection with FPS. Until now they would have graduated to full membership at 18 and adult rates would have been expected. Needless to say, not many took that up. We hope now that youngsters of 18+ will stay with us for as little as £5 per month.

  1. How can we make it easier for the under 40’s to join?

With most young adults enduring the costs of bringing up families, paying housing costs and the generally high cost of living, we realise that the full membership cost of belonging to a synagogue is not exactly their highest priority, despite they would love to be a part of FPS. So, we have reviewed the cost of membership for the under 40’s and come up with a graduated scale that will enable them to connect with us and enjoy the benefits of being a member.

  1. FPS Website

We are commencing a rewrite of the FPS website with the aim of giving it a more modern look with video content and more pictures.

MONDAY AFTERNOON CLUB by Barbara Shulman and Beverley Kafka

Following the phenomenal response to the Chanukah tea, and as a follow up to Beverley Kafka's Zoom meetings held during lockdown, we decided to resurrect the Monday Afternoon Club. I have fond memories of my parents, Selina and Hymie, enjoying this time to socialise and I thought it was appropriate to provide such an opportunity, especially now that we can meet in person at FPS – back in the building - after such a long period.

Meeting on the last Monday in the month we have had several successful socials. Entertainment at one meeting was provided by the dynamic duo Stanley Volk and David Eisen. A very enjoyable afternoon with much enthusiastic audience participation! Natasha Kafka enthralled us at the next social, singing a varied programme of songs in her beautiful voice. Finally, this week Jane Rosenberg, a classically trained Mezzo Soprano, treated us to a wonderful mixture of traditional Hebrew songs, music from the shows with an accompanying fascinating talk about the history of the singers.

Hot beverages and a variety of patisserie and biscuits are provided by Beverley, ably assisted by Barbara. We hope to provide a varied programme of activities, all based at FPS, in the coming months. All are welcome, just email please to book your place. (barbara@fps.org)

MORNING MEDITATION GROUP by Valerie Joseph

A Morning Meditation Service was instigated by Rabbi Rebecca at the onset of the pandemic when we were all locked down. It runs for half an hour four days a week (Tuesday-Friday) starting at 8.30.

Initially Rabbi Rebecca, assisted by Dean led every session. Since lockdown eased, at her request, I have arranged for some members of the Group to share the leading of the Service with Rabbi Rebecca. Rabbi Rebecca and Dean lead on a Tuesday, I lead on a Wednesday (and cover if Rabbi Rebecca has holiday etc), a rota of Janet Tresman, Mandy Carr, Bobbie Hood and Sara Dibb lead on a Thursday with the assistance of Dean and on Friday we are led by Rabbi Rebecca. Dean has very kindly provided us with recordings of the prayers for when he is not there.

From being a group of people who felt this was something they might like, it has become a community within the community of FPS. Over the last two years we have shared each other’s ups and downs and found poems and readings that have helped us through very odd times. It is very much not a closed group and we welcome anyone who wants to come. The link is in all the weekly emails.

I have put together an anthology of all the poems that have been shared and can email it to anyone who is interested. I send out a monthly Appendix as we are constantly finding new literature that is meaningful.

I would like to thank Rabbi Rebecca for setting this up and for all she shares with us in the mornings. I know if has helped all of us in one way or another over the time it has been running. Thanks also, of course, to Dean without whose music it would be very different. His Sim Shalom has a very calming effect first thing.

MUSIC REPORT by Dean Staker

Over the past year Musicians in Residence, Franklyn Gellnick and Dean Staker, have been constantly reviewing the musical repertoire at FPS and introducing new pieces to provide a variety of styles of music for services to enhance the worship experience for congregants of all ages, with regular meetings being held with Rabbi Rebecca to discuss music for services and other events.

As in previous years, High Holy Day services reflected this process of review and renewal with new tunes, both secular and liturgical, being added whilst retaining familiar melodies, with Gabi Highman and Dean leading the singing for all services.

Original pieces composed by Franklyn and Dean have been added to our repertoire, and on Shabbat mornings we occasionally introduce secular songs to the Torah service based on the theme of the weekly parashah.

This year we welcomed Natasha Kafka to the music team, and her contribution in regularly leading the music for Friday night services and working with Franklyn on Shabbat mornings, in addition to leading the Tefillah services for Ivriah, has been invaluable.

In April Shabbat Resouled celebrated its 15[th] anniversary by welcoming back the entire band after a two-year hiatus, and the service continues to be a drawcard for both FPS members and visitors from the wider Jewish community.

Apart from our regular monthly schedule of Shabbat services, our musicians have also provided accompaniment for the Pesach communal Seder, services and events celebrating other festivals, numerous B’nei Mitzvah services and other life cycle celebrations. We are currently looking ahead to what we might contribute to mark the community’s 70[th] anniversary in 2023, and we look forward to continuing to develop our repertoire and maintaining the high musical standard that FPS has become known for in the wider community.

REFUGEE SUPPORT by Lesley Urbach

Apart from holding a picnic last summer, the official work with the Syrians that the synagogue has been involved with, as part of the Barnet Refugee Welcome Board, has come to an end. Individuals have developed relationships, and some of the Syrians have become involved in BRWB / Barnet Citizens work.

The attention of the Board has turned to how to support the Afghan refugees still housed in hotels in Finchley, Colindale, Golders Green and Brent Cross and being involved with supporting Ukrainian refugees once they arrive. Work is also going on, coordinated by Tamara Joseph, to coordinate the hosting process.

We are looking for volunteers to attend coffee mornings at Costa Coffee in Brent Cross in order to chat to Afghan women attending or to play with their children and to accompany planned trips, for example to the sea side, to local parks or to museums

Plans are in hand to run coffee mornings for Ukrainians which will take place at Finchley Reform Synagogue and volunteers to be involved with this are also needed. While we have some money left from the work with the Syrians, donations are also welcome,

If you are interested in being involved, please let Lesley know and she will put you in touch with the appropriate person coordinating this activity,

Lesley Urbach; lcurbach@googlemail.com; Tamara Joseph, Ofra Rosenwasser, Alison Rees, Rabbi Rebecca Birk, Cathy Burnstone

ROSH CHODESH by Andrea Narcin

The Rosh Chodesh Group is the synagogues Women’s group, held near the beginning of each month of the Hebrew calendar. Until Chanukah, it was run by the magnificent Wika, who has decided that her days’ were overfull and that she needed a rest and an opportunity to do other things! She has been truly amazing in running a varied programme of talks, discussions and excursions over the years, which have included trips to art galleries, talks on Fashion and modesty, food, decluttering, death and Lilith and Eve, with sessions being led by a range of leaders from within the community and those from outside! We can’t say enough ‘thank you’s to her for all she has done, and she has left me with an impossible task of filling her shoes.

Over Covid Rosh Chodesh moved online, but this did not prevent our lively discussions continuing. We are now free to meet up in person, but it seems that Zoom still has a place to play, so for the time being we will be having a mix of in

person and Zoom. So far 2022 has brought a sharing of music that we have found significant, a discussion of the role of women engineers, discoveries of neglected women composers, an encounter with the Women in Black, and got creative (and messy) with clay. Maybe the best thing is the friendships that have built up.

Look out for our dates in Shofar and the Newsletter, and do come along and join us. If you have any suggestions for future sessions, please, please contact me! andrea_narcin@yahoo.co.uk

TOGETHER IN BARNET NIGHT SHELTER by Andrea Narcin

As you will be aware, for some time FPS has been involved in the Together in Barnet homeless shelter. Working with other Mosques, Synagogues and Churches in the area, we provide night shelter, an evening meal and breakfast for a group of Barnet homeless. Once a week we would be the host venue, with our guests sleeping in the main hall.

Then Covid came, and we were no longer able to work in this fashion. Instead we were able to house 16 guests through lockdown at a hotel in Golders Green, and TIB joined with Homeless Action in Barnet to provided food and support to people in temporary accommodation throughout the borough, and beyond. The first Hotel project finished in June 2021, and the second ran from October 2021 t0 March 2022. Over this time 52 guests passed through the Hotel, with 48 moving into long term accommodation. Peggy Sherwood was an amazing organiser, running our rota and stepping in as required. Thank you to her and to all our volunteers!

Back in March, HAB and TIB ran a Big Sleep out to raise funds. A small group of supporters spent the night sleeping in an Edgware car part. Luckily it did not rain, and we all came through in one piece! Thank you to all who supported us; More than £24,000 was raised!

With the new Winter season, we hope to be back in the building looking for volunteers to cook, host and serve. Aware that, together with other venues, we may have lost a number of volunteers to other projects, the idea at present is to pair with other venues in a similar position to host. TIB is also hoping to start a mentoring scheme, and will be holding a Summer Social on Sunday 3[rd] July at Golders Green Parish Church.

Once again, thanks to all our volunteers, and do contact me if you would like to become involved.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57

Charity registration number 1167285

Company registration number 09365956 (England and Wales)

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Directors Tamara Joseph (Chair)
Roy Balint-Kurti (Treasurer)
Paula Kinchin-Smith (Secretary)
Ann Pelham
Samantha King
Beverley Kafka
Gordon Greenfield
Mike Rocks
Secretary Paula Kinchin-Smith (Secretary)
Charity number 1167285
Company number 09365956
Registered office 54a Hutton Grove
London
N12 8DR
Independent examiner Jacky C Lax FCA
Jacob Charles & Co
Sentinel House, Sentinel Square
London NW4 2EP

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 19

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Synagogue's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) " (effective 1 January 2019 ).

Objectives and activities

The Synagogue's objects are to advance the Jewish religion in accordance with the beliefs, tenets and doctrines of Liberal Judaism. The synagogue is a member of Liberal Judaism to which affiliation fees are paid.

The objectives are achieved by the maintenance of the Synagogue and the provision of religious, educational and other related activities, including: religious services held weekly and on Jewish festivals; religion school; life cycle events and personal support; educational and social program me s throughout the year. In common with all such charities the Synagogue is heavily reliant on contributions made by a large number of volunteers from the congregation.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Synagogue should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Under the direction of our Rabbi the Synagogue provides a full range of Jewish, religious, social and educational services and activities for its congregation and their families.

Rabbi Rebecca Birk has led the community throughout the year together with our community manager Zoe Jacobs and assisted by synagogue manager Pauline Gusack who oversees the synagogue office and the maintenance of the synagogue's main asset, the building.

Future Plans

The Council will continue to achieve its stated objectives by providing religious and educational services, and related activities, as well as maintenance of the building. Currently, the Trustees are exploring the possibility of improving both the internal fabric and the outside structure of the building.

Public Benefit

The trustees have complied with their duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission.

Financial review

The accounts for 20 21 are presented within this report. The trustees are advised, by their accountants, that no audit is required this year. The trustees confirm that the accounts and the related notes comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Synagogue's constitution, and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

As at 31 December 20 21 the Synagogue held unrestricted general funds of £116,521 (2020: £ 79,979) , unrestricted designated funds of £3,290,242 (2020: £ 3,290,242) and restricted funds of £164,443 (2020: £ 168,532) . The Board believe the financial position remains stable and will continue to monitor costs carefully throughout this difficult economic period.

It is the policy of the Synagogue that unrestricted funds should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Synagogue’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the Synagogue is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Taking into account advice and guidance from Public Health England and Liberal Judaism, the rabbi, office staff and the trustees carefully considered the practical effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Charity’s activities. Fortunately the disruption to the Charity’s activities, including the closure of the synagogue building, holding virtual services, staff working from home, changes to funeral arrangements and the postponement of life-cycle events, diminished as the year progressed. The tag line 'more than just a building' has become not only a reality, but also an inspiration. Whilst it was initially assumed, and provided for, that these issues would have a detrimental effect on the finances of the Charity (for example: the loss of hall rental and the purchase of audio and visual equipment to enable the streaming of services) nevertheless, with membership fees remaining stable and measures taken to reduce costs, the financial effect has seen a reduction in surplus income but is slightly better than break-even. Therefore, the Trustees retain their reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future from the date of approval of these financial statements.

Structure, governance and management

Following 45 years as an unincorporated entity, the Synagogue was established under a Constitution dated 21st April 1998. The trustees of the unincorporated Finchley Progressive Synagogue (UK registered charity number 1071040) transferred its assets, liabilities to The Finchley Progressive Synagogue (a company limited by guarantee - company number 09365956), (The Company). The limited company also registered as a charity (charity number 1167285) with the Charity Commission in December 2014. The Company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 11 April 2016.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were :

Tamara Joseph (Chair) Roy Balint-Kurti (Treasurer)

Paula Kinchin-Smith (Secretary) Ann Pelham Samantha King Beverley Kafka Gordon Greenfield Mike Rocks

The governance of the Company is the responsibility of the Board (the members of which are also the trustees of the charity), which is elected by Synagogue's members at an Annual General Meeting. The Board members serve a maximum period of three year term before retiring at the next AGM. Each Board member is eligible to stand for re-election, once, thereby serving two consecutive three years terms.

None of the trustees ha ve any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The Board is responsible for the general control and management of the Synagogue.

The Board meets regularly throughout the year and there are sub-committees and groups that report to the Board. In addition the synagogue engages administrative staff who are responsible for the management of the building, day to day finances, and co-ordination of the various activities. All significant operational decisions are made by the Board, with certain key decisions approved by the members in open meeting.

Following their appointment, new Trustees are introduced to their role and given copies of the Memorandum & Articles of Association and a guide to the policies and procedures adopted by the Company. A number of publications from the Charity Commission are also provided including guidance on charities and public benefit and on the advancement of religion for public benefit. This ensures the new directors are aware of the scope of their responsibilities under the Charities Act.

No preference dividends were paid. The director does not recommend payment of a final dividend.

The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. Tamara Joseph (Chair) On behalf of the Trustees

Date: .............................................

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The trustees, who are also the directors of The Finchley Progressive Synagogue for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Synagogue and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Synagogue and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Synagogue and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Finchley Progressive Synagogue (the Synagogue) for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the Synagogue (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Synagogue are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Synagogue’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) . In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Synagogue’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Jacky C Lax FCA

Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Jacob Charles & Co Sentinel House, Sentinel Square London NW4 2EP

Dated: .........................

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2021
2021
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
305,961
21,965
Charitable activities
4
57,232
72,256
Investments
5
66
8
Total income
363,259
94,229
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
Activities undertaken
directly
6
326,624
98,411
Total charitable expenditure
326,624
98,411
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources before transfers
36,635
(4,182)
Gross transfers
between funds
(93)
93
Net income/(expenditure)
for the year/
Net movement in funds
36,542
(4,089)
Fund balances at 1 January
2021
3,370,221
168,532
Fund balances at 31
December 2021
3,406,763
164,443		 Total Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2021
2020
2020
£
£
£
327,926
257,644
21,390
129,488
30,133
84,998
74
690
204
457,488
288,467
106,592
425,035
296,757
82,758
425,035
296,757
82,758
32,453
(8,290)
23,834
-
2,572
(2,572)
32,453
(5,718)
21,262
3,538,753
3,375,939
147,270
3,571,206
3,370,221
168,532		 Total
2020
£
279,034
115,131
894
395,059
379,515
379,515
15,544
-
15,544
3,523,209
3,538,753

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
12
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
14
General unrestricted funds		 2021
£
£
3,005,945
32,082
560,525
592,607
(27,346)
565,261
3,571,206
164,443
3,290,242
116,521
3,406,763
3,571,206		 2020
£
£
3,006,016
11,990
537,921
549,911
(17,174)
532,737
3,538,753
168,532
3,290,242
79,979
3,370,221
3,538,753

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2021.

The director acknowledges his responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

..............................

Tamara Joseph (Chair)

Trustee

Company registration number 09365956

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Finchley Progressive Synagogue is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 54a Hutton Grove, London, N12 8DR.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Synagogue's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Synagogue is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Synagogue has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the Synagogue . Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Synagogue has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the Synagogue is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Synagogue has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Synagogue has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Rental income is recognised over the period on which it is earned.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Charitable expenditure comprises all expenditure directly relating to the objectives of the synagogue.

Governance costs include audit costs, and legal advice for the trustees and any other costs associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Support costs - the amounts disclosed under each of the above categories comprise those costs which are directly attributable to that category together with an apportionment of support costs. Support costs are those costs that are not directly attributable to a single activity but provide the necessary organisational support for all the charity's activities. The support costs have been allocated to the charity's activities to which they relate.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold land and buildings Nil Fixtures and fittings 33.33% per annum on a straight-line basis

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities .

The Board have reviewed tangible fixed assets, which comprise land, building , fixtures and fittings. Where the Board consider that the expected useful life is in excess of 50 years and the carrying value in the financial statements is not more than the estimated recoverable amount, no depreciation has been charged. The Board have and will continue to carry out annual reviews of impairment.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the Synagogue reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any ) .

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The Synagogue has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Synagogue 's balance sheet when the Synagogue becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Synagogue ’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Synagogue is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Synagogue’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2021
2021
£
£
Legacies receivable
32,096
-
Grants received
1,860
-
Gross Membership
Subscriptions
197,896
21,965
Gift Aid and Higher Rate
claims
54,028
-
Other
20,081
-
305,961
21,965
Grants receivable for
core activities
Other
1,860
-
1,860
-		 TotalUnrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2021
2020
2020
£
£
£
32,096
1,000
-
1,860
1,811
-
219,861
192,447
21,390
54,028
54,846
-
20,081
7,540
-
327,926
257,644
21,390
1,860
1,811
-
1,860
1,811
-		 Total
2020
£
1,000
1,811
213,837
54,846
7,540
279,034
1,811
1,811

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

4 Charitable activities

2021
£
Services and festivals
30,441
Community projects
41,815
Ivriah
4,276
Fundraising
488
Lettings
46,642
Other income
5,826
129,488
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
57,232
Restricted funds
72,256
129,488
Investments
Unrestricted
Restricted
TotalUnrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
funds
2021
2021
2021
2020
2020
£
£
£
£
£
Interest receivable
66
8
74
690
204		 2020
£
45,621
39,377
8,070
590
17,777
3,696
115,131
30,133
84,998
115,131
Total
2020
£
894

5 Investments

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

6 Charitable activities

Activities
Activities
undertaken
undertaken
directly
directly
2021
2020
£
£
Ministerial departmental costs 2,852
2,903
Ivriah & other educational costs 6,279
3,004
Organist, music and HHD costs 8,017
23,908
Hospitality 881
279
Shofar design and printing 5,650
4,070
Liberal Judaism 44,602
40,802
Board of Deputies 3,734
1,030
Burial Scheme 21,965
21,390
Donations to Other Charities 690
7,824
Restricted fund outlay 75,756
53,544
170,426
158,754
Share of support costs (see note 7) 252,509
218,661
Share of governance costs (see note 7) 2,100
2,100
425,035
379,515
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 326,624
296,757
Restricted funds 98,411
82,758
425,035
379,515

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

7
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
199,767
-
Depreciation
1,988
-
Cleaning, caretaking,
housekeeping and
garden
7,666
-
Insurance, Light and
heat , water rates
13,454
-
Security gates and costs
4,541
-
Repairs and renewal
expenditure
6,220
-
Miscellaneous expenses
1,982
-
Administration and
accounting
2,294
-
Printing, postage and
stationery
7,947
-
Telephone
1,677
-
Bank charges and
interest
518
-
Computer running
expenses
4,455
-
Accountancy
-
2,100
252,509
2,100
Analysed between
Charitable activities
252,509
2,100		 2021
£
199,767
1,988
7,666
13,454
4,541
6,220
1,982
2,294
7,947
1,677
518
4,455
2,100
254,609
254,609		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
156,805
-
2,663
-
18,998
-
12,613
-
1,695
-
10,269
-
2,510
-
690
-
7,479
-
1,387
-
801
-
2,751
-
-
2,100
218,661
2,100
218,661
2,100		 2020
£
156,805
2,663
18,998
12,613
1,695
10,269
2,510
690
7,479
1,387
801
2,751
2,100
220,761
220,761

Governance costs includes payments to the external Accountants of £2,100 (2020: £ 2,100) for their independent examination .

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Synagogue during the year.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

9 Employees

The average monthly number of full time equivalent employees during the year was:

Religious services
Administration
Education
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than
£60,000 is as follows:
In the band £70,0001 to £80,000		 2021
Number
1
3
2
6
2021
£
178,701
12,258
8,808
199,767
2021
Number
1		 2020
Number
1
1
2
4
2020
£
139,422
9,620
7,763
156,805
2020
Number
1

Contributions totalling £ 7,736 (2020: £6,969) were made to defined contribution pension schemes on behalf of employees whose emoluments exceed £ 7 0,000.

The Trustees, in so far as they are directors/employees of the company, did not receive neither remuneration nor benefit from the synagogue during the year.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

10
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land
and buildings
Fixtures and
fittings
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2021
3,000,000
56,019
Additions
-
1,917
At 31 December 2021
3,000,000
57,936
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2021
-
50,003
Depreciation charged in the year
-
1,988
At 31 December 2021
-
51,991
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2021
3,000,000
5,945
At 31 December 2020
3,000,000
6,016		 Total
£
3,056,019
1,917
3,057,936
50,003
1,988
51,991
3,005,945
3,006,016

The freehold land and building comprise the synagogue at 54a Hutton Grove, London N12 8DR.

11 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
12
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2021
£
32,082
2021
£
3,311
12,122
11,913
27,346		 2020
£
11,990
2020
£
2,974
7,325
6,875
17,174

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

13 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 January 2021
r
£
Funeral Expenses Fund
99,191
President's Fund
8,469
Rabbi's Discretionery Fund
6,541
HHD Appeal Fund
24,120
Other Voluntary Charitable
Funds
30,211
Ground Fees
-
168,532		 Movement in funds
Incoming
esources
Resources
expended
Investment
income
£
£
£
7,508
(7,356)
7
23
(250)
1
48
-
-
1,571
(21,862)
-
63,107
(46,979)
-
21,965
(21,965)
-
94,222
(98,412)
8		 Transfers
Balance at
31 December
2021
£
£
-
99,350
-
8,243
-
6,589
-
3,829
93
46,432
-
-
93
164,443

The Funeral Expenses Fund is an optional fund for those members who wish to cover funeral expenses such as the undertakers fees. S ee note 1 6 .

The President’s Fund was set-up over 30 years ago and invite s donations to help enable those synagogue youth who could not otherwise afford the full cost of attending peer group activities in the wider community, such as Israel tours and Kadimah holiday camp, to attend;

The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund receives occasional receipts from members, which are distributed in confidence by the Rabbi according to deserving financial or social circumstances;

The HHD Appeal Fund collects and distributes the money donated towards designated charities as chosen by the Board;

Other Voluntary Charitable F unds refer to those voluntary donation members make in addition to their membership fee, such as t o the Board of Deputies, New Israel Fund and the Mogilev community in Belarus .

The Ground Fee is collected on behalf of Liberal Judaism and is a mandatory fee in addition to the membership fee, as it covers the cost of either a plot at Edgwarebury Lane cemetery or a cremation at Hoop Lane crematorium.

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

14 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Movement in funds
Transfer in Incoming Resources Balance at 31
at 1 January resources expended December
2019 2021
£ £ £ £
Legacy Reserve Fund 280,456 - - 280,456
Premises Fund 3,000,000 - - 3,000,000
National Lottery 9,786 - - 9,786
3,290,242 - - 3,290,242

Legacy Reserve Fund

The designated fund arises from bequests under the 2011 Will of Margit Landon for £91,000 and under the 2015 Will of Maurice Needleman for £286,169. To date, total expenditure has amounted to £96,713 leaving a fund balance of £280,456 whilst the trustees continue to discuss the most appropriate ways spending such designated funds. Extra receipt this year

Premises Fund

This fund relates to the value of the synagogue's land and buildings at 54a Hutton Grove London N12 8DR, as valued by Martin Gerrard, Estate Agents, in July 2017.

National Lottery Fund

This fund relates to a grant received for £9,786 from the National Lottery for our inter-community work. The project is due to involve Rabbi Rebecca and Nisrin (one of the Syrian women) running assemblies in primary schools and Zoe Jacobs running workshops in secondary schools. Due to Covid this project has yet to be started and may involve some change in its outreach presentation. Write-off?

Draft Financial Statements at 13 June 2022 at 12:14:57 THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

15
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2021
2021
£
£
Fund balances at 31
December 2021 are
represented by:
Tangible assets
3,005,945
-
Current assets/
(liabilities)
400,818
164,443
3,406,763
164,443		 TotalUnrestricted
Funds
2021
2020
£
£
3,005,945
3,006,016
565,261
364,205
3,571,206
3,370,221		 Restricted
Funds
2020
£
-
168,532
168,532		 Total
2020
£
3,006,016
532,737
3,538,753

16 Financial commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities

Members of the Funeral Expenses Fund are entitled to have their funeral expenses, such as undertakers fees, covered by the synagogue. With a current expense cost in the region of £660 per member it is estimated that the Synagogue has a contingent liability of up to £105,000 [circa 160 participants], albeit under normal circumstances this liability is highly unlikely to fully crystallise in any one year.

17 Events after the reporting date

As described in the Trustees Report, the Trustees remain vigilant regarding the Covid pandemic though also maintain their reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operation for the foreseeable future from the date of approval of these financial statements.

18 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year .

THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE DIRECTORS OF THE FINCHLEY PROGRESSIVE SYNAGOGUE l ￿port to Iho directors on my ex8rninatson of the financial 5tstements of The Finchley Progressive Synagogue (the Syrsagoguel for the year ended 31 December 2021. Re$ponsibillties and basi¥ of report As the direclois of the Synagogue land also its ￿1￿Clor$ for the purposes of tompany lawl you are resptsn5ible for the preparation of the fin8ncJal statetnenls in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (thè 21XkSAdl. Having satisfied Myself that the finèncial Statements of the Synagogue ale not required to be audited under Part 16 Df the 2006 Act pnd are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Synagogue's financial 8lalements cariied out under sKlion 145 of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe 2011 A¢tl. In ¢?rrying out my examination I have followed 811 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145I5llbl ol the 2011 Act. IndepeTrd¢nt examiners ststement sin￿ the Synagogue's gross incorne exceeded £250.000 your examiner musi be a member of a body lssled in sèction 145 of the 2011 Act. I confimi that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am member of The Ins&'ttrte of Chartered A¢counlaTrls in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. l ¢onfirm that no matters have come to my attention In connection wilh the examination giving tne cause lo belleve that In any material ￿Spect.. accounl'ng rècoids wets nol kept tn respeot of the Synagogue as required by se¢lion 386 of the 20Q16 Act". or the financial staternents do not accord with thosé records.. or the financial statetnents do not compty with the accounting requirements ol section 396 olthe 2006 Acl other than any ￿quireMent that the accounts 9ive a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an indopendent examinaiion., or the financ131 stateFngnls have not been prepa￿d in aG￿rdance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Pi8Ctice for accounting and reportin9 by ch8rities applicable lo charities preparing their ac￿l￿nIS in actoidance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republi¢ of Ireland IFRS 1021_ I have no concems and have come acr08s no other mailers irr ¢onTrection with the exarninalion to which attention should be drawn in Ihps report in order to enable 8 proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached. Jacky C Lax FCA Member of the In3tilute ol Chartered Accountant5 in England and Wales Jacob Charles & Co Sentinel House. Senl'nel Square London NW4 2EP Dated..