Welcome from our President to the Shul by the Sea!

Message from the President of SWHC. (120 years young in 2026)

I am honoured to welcome you on behalf of the community of Southend & Westcliff Hebrew Congregation.  We are a vibrant community comprising of over 550 families and would love you to join us!

We are London on Sea at the Shul by the Sea here at the City of Southend! By road,  It takes about an hour to get to North West London. Our excellent train service only takes forty five minutes from Westcliff into Fenchurch Street station (which is about the same time that commuters need to reach the City from North West London). There is also Southend Airport for a quick trip to the Continent.

There are numerous excellent shops and major stores around the town, and Bluewater and Lakeside not too far away.  We have our own Shop at the Shul Kosher supplies, Baker and Deli within the complex.  In recent years we have erected a Ladies section downstairs in the synagogue for those ladies who find the stairs a challenge, and also there is a disabled area for the men as you enter the synagogue.

There are four (two for girls and two for boys) grammar schools in Southend and Westcliff areas which are among the top publicly funded schools in the country.

Most important of all, the price of housing both to buy and rent is cheaper than in the London and Suburban areas. Our local Chareidi friends who support some of our shul services are a testament to this. We now have around 75 families who have moved from Stamford Hill to Westcliff in a few short years. They have two shuls, a boys and girls school and there is a Westcliff Eruv which will be extended.

SWHC have a multitude of communal activities for all ages, and many charity and social committees.   Our Community Voice magazine is of a very high standard.

Please take a moment to look at the information on this website, especially the Local Jewish Groups page telling you about all the regular activities and clubs, and the weekly Newsletter that has up to date information about what’s going on.

Shalom,

Michael Nelkin
President of SWHC