Liberal Jewish Congregation The Hague

A congregation which is socially engaged and made of members from very different backgrounds. The congregation has many members with roots in the United States, Israel, Russia and other countries, thanks to the relatively large international community in The Hague. The Liberal Jewish Congregation Beth Jehoeda was established in The Hague at the beginning of the 1930s. After the Second World War the congregation was re-established in 1959. After several years in which it used the former Portuguese ‘Snoge’ complex (synagogue and building on the Prinsessegracht), the LJG Den Haag acquired it in 1974. The synagogue was consecrated again in September 1976 following extensive restoration and renovation. The Liberal Jewish Congregation Beth Jehoeda is affiliated with the Dutch Union for Progressive Judaism (Nederlands Verbond voor Progressief Jodendom/NVPJ).

The LJG Den Haag is considerate of the different interpretations of Judaism among its members, while respecting Jewish tradition.

The Liberal Jewish Congregation Beth Jehoeda aims to make it possible for its members to practice and experience progressive Judaism in and around The Hague by organising Jewish religious and cultural gatherings as well as Jewish instruction.

Activities

The LJG Beth Jehoeda in The Hague is a congregation with a large number of active members and weekly Shabbat services and other activities.

Religious 

The core activities organised by the Liberal Jewish Congregation (LJG) in The Hague are the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat services on Friday evening at 18.30 hrs. and Shabbat Morning Service on Saturday at 9.30 hrs.

The congregation regularly organises get-togethers and courses for new members following the Saturday Shul service.

Holidays 

Shul services and other religious activities are organised during Jewish holidays. The Hebrew school focuses extra attention on the holidays and organises additional activities for the smallest members of the congregation.

Social/cultural 

The Liberal Jewish Congregation (LJG) Beth Jehoeda has a number of committees which deal specifically with social and cultural matters in the community. For social outreach there are the Cirkel (Circle) and Bikoer Choliem. The Cultural Committee organises cultural activities. The congregation also has a choir and activities are regularly organised for various target groups such as for 40+, young people and new members. The Hospitality Committee arranges the coffee service and takes care of the kiddushin during holidays and special events.

Education 

Religious instruction for children is divided into three groups at the Liberal Jewish Congregation (LJG) Beth Jehoeda. The Midrasha group (pre-school group), for children up to the age of 4, comes together once a month on Shabbat morning. Weekly Talmud Torah (Hebrew school) instruction is given to children between the ages of 4 and 12 years (for girls) and 13 years (for boys). In addition children are given individual instruction in preparation for their Bar or Mat Mitzvah.

Unique Location

The synagogue is located at the edge of The Hague’s city centre, across from Malieveld, truly a unique location. The community has actually three buildings in one: the centuries-old former Portuguese ‘Snoge’ on the Jan Evertstraat, which was acquired for our congregation by Rabbi Jacob Soetendorp and Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp; the office building with its main entrance on the Prinssessegracht; and the Glazen Zaal (Glass Hall) in between the two buildings. 

This building is located just a 5-minute walk from The Hague’s Central Station. Plenty of parking is available in the area, including an underground car park at Malieveld.

Glazen Zaal and rentals The Glazen Zaal (Glass Hall), originally an inner courtyard, is now enclosed by a suspended glass roof. The façade of the former Portuguese Synagogue, one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands, serves as a dramatic backdrop to the hall. Beneath the glass roof and partly glass walls your guests will feel like they are standing outdoors under an open sky during a reception, dinner party or meeting.  The Glazen Zaal is an official wedding venue and a sensational location to host your reception and party. In good weather the beautiful courtyard makes a lovely setting to entertain your guests under the centuries-old chestnut trees.

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