Makor Hayim

Who we are

Makor Hayim (which means “source of life” in Hebrew) is a radically relational Jewish community based in North West London but operating online, in-person and hybrid. We are the product of two communities (Willesden Minyan and Shir Hayim) merging to create something new and bringing along the wisdom that already existed too. 

We created a shared vision and a shared set of values, and are building a community that aims to live by these values every single day. What started as a new community in 2018, adapted through the pandemic and we are now in a new phase of shaping who we are.

The values that guide us are:

Torah: Learning and being in active conversation with ancient wisdom that holds, moves, informs and challenges us

Chesed (kindness): Being ‘radically relational’: building a community of kindness, care and friendship; showing up for each other’s joys and struggles

Tzedek (justice): Acting with justice and compassion, working towards the creation of a more loving world; acknowledging the connectedness of our fate with the fate of other communities, British society and the wider world

Kavanah (intentionality): Creating meaningful Jewish rituals that guide and build intention: engaging intentionally and creatively with Torah & Jewish practice to inspire meaning and connection in our lives

Hineni (“here I am”/leadership): Believing that every one of us, Jewish or Allies, whatever our backgrounds, strengths and relationships with Judaism, has something of value to offer, and the power to make change

Check out our website (which as a short video explaining more!) to see what we're about