Membership at Moor Lane
Belong to something special
Moor Lane is more than a synagogue. It is a warm, welcoming Sephardi community rooted in centuries of tradition and committed to building a vibrant Jewish future.
Our community brings together prayer, friendship, learning, hospitality and support. We value every member and believe that a synagogue should be a place where people feel known, welcomed and able to contribute.
Whether you have grown up with Sephardi traditions, are discovering them for the first time, or are simply looking for a friendly and meaningful Jewish community, we would be delighted to welcome you.
Our community values
Tradition
We preserve Moor Lane’s distinctive Sephardi heritage, customs and atmosphere while keeping them relevant and inspiring for future generations.
Community
We support one another, celebrate together and are present for each other during both joyful and difficult times.
Welcome
We welcome individuals and families from many backgrounds. You do not need to know every prayer or custom before walking through our doors.
Participation
Every member has something valuable to offer. Members are encouraged to attend, volunteer, share ideas and help shape our future.
Responsibility
Membership helps sustain our services, building, religious life, heritage and community programme for present and future generations.
What membership includes
Membership of Moor Lane includes:
- Belonging to one of Manchester’s historic Sephardi communities
- Regular Shabbat, festival and weekday services
- Weekly Community Kiddush
- Kibudim Priority for honouring Yahrzeits and other significant events.
- Seat reservation for throughtout the year and Yamim Noriim
- Children involved in the ML Youth Club and Families in our Avot u Banim program.
- Access to community events, celebrations and learning opportunities
- Member rates for selected events, functions and activities
- Member rates for Library membership
- Member rates for hall and shul bookings
- Pastoral support during times of celebration, illness or bereavement
- Support with lifecycle events, including weddings, bar and bat mitzvah celebrations, funerals and memorial occasions
- Opportunities to sponsor a kiddush, class, event or community project
- Voting and participation rights in accordance with the synagogue’s governing rules
- Access to member communications, notices and community updates
- Opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the development of Moor Lane
- The chance to help preserve and share Moor Lane’s unique religious and cultural heritage
Membership also helps ensure that Moor Lane remains a living synagogue: open for prayer, available for families and able to serve the wider community.
Indicative membership rates
Our current indicative annual membership rates are:
| Membership | Indicative annual rate |
|---|---|
| Family membership | £360 |
| Country membership | £180 |
| New young members | First year free |
| Full-time Student | Free |
Young membership normally applies to new members under the age of 30.
Membership rates may be reviewed periodically and particular circumstances may affect the appropriate membership category.
Concessions and individual circumstances
Financial circumstances should never prevent someone from becoming part of the Moor Lane community.
We understand that people may be managing reduced income, study, retirement, unemployment, caring responsibilities or other financial pressures. Requests for a reduced contribution are handled privately, sensitively and without embarrassment.
The published rates are therefore a guide rather than a barrier. Please contact us confidentially so that an appropriate arrangement can be agreed.
Make a confidential membership enquiry
Ready to join?
You can complete our online membership application form at any time.
Submitting an application does not prevent you from speaking with us first. We are very happy to answer questions about the community, membership categories, services or financial arrangements.
Come and have a coffee with the President
Joining a synagogue is a personal decision, and sometimes the best way to get to know a community is through a relaxed conversation.
You are warmly invited to book a coffee with the President to hear more about Moor Lane, discuss what you are looking for and ask any questions you may have about becoming a member.
There is no obligation and no formal interview. It is simply an opportunity to meet, talk and learn more about the community.
Book a coffee with the President
Visit us
Prospective members are always welcome to attend a service or community event.
For security purposes, visitors who have not attended Moor Lane previously should contact us in advance so that we can welcome them properly.
Become part of Moor Lane
By joining Moor Lane, you are not only supporting a synagogue building. You are becoming part of a community with a proud past and an exciting future.
We look forward to welcoming you.