Minyan Chadash is the egalitarian minyan of New London Synagogue, a traditional but non-fundamentalist shul affiliated with the Assembly of Masorti Synagogues.
Services are traditional; the recent adoption of the 'Sim Shalom' Siddur from the American Conservative movement doesn’t change the fact that this is a service in the United Synagogue mould. A group discussion or some teaching from a community member replaces the sermon but this is definitely a place where someone looking to deepen their knowledge and engagement with traditional Judaism will feel at home.
It positions itself as a learning minyan but standards are high without being too slick or intimidating. If there is the slightest whiff of talent about you and if you have any skills in davening, leyning, teaching or smiling and saying hello to people you will be leapt upon to get involved. Don’t be afraid to ask for page numbers or for help if you’re lost, it may be demanding but they are a friendly and approachable lot.
This reflects the warmth of a community where talent is nurtured and people are definitely encouraged to arrive as they are but leave a step further on in their Jewish journey as more skilled or Jewishly empowered individuals. If you’re a first timer you’ll be encouraged to come back.
They are a mixed bunch made up of regulars from the ‘big shul’ next door, those who come only to this minyan, visitors from abroad, students from the States and young adults, who form a large proportion of those attending. You’ll meet people from the ‘right’ attracted by the egalitarian ideals and those from the ‘left’ who like a traditional service and vice versa. What people do seem to have in common is that they are there because they feel a great sense of commitment to the ideals and principals of the minyan.
The minyan unites with the main shul for Kiddush and lunch is always held, either in a member’s home or in the shul hall with the rest of the New London community. There’s no doubt that this is a major selling point of Minyan Chadash. There’s usually a nice bunch of people enjoying a proper shabbos lunch. Cholent is common and meat is not unknown. There’s benching and lots of singing, some books have transliteration but not all, so be warned.