The Rectory, Greenford Magna - The Parish of Greenford Magna
The Rectory, Greenford Magna - The Parish of Greenford Magna
The Rectory, Greenford Magna - The Parish of Greenford Magna
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Shree Jalaram Mandir<br />
When the <strong>Greenford</strong> Synagogue closed in January, 2000, the building was up for<br />
sale and many people wondered what would happen to it. <strong>The</strong>re were fears that the<br />
building might end up in the hands <strong>of</strong> an intolerant campaigning religious group <strong>of</strong><br />
one complexion or another.<br />
During the course <strong>of</strong> 2000, the building was stripped <strong>of</strong> its Jewish artefacts, including<br />
the windows with symbols <strong>of</strong> the faith, and opened in December as a Hindu temple.<br />
If you visit, you will see that it has now been re-fitted with all the appurtenances you<br />
would expect, including a full range <strong>of</strong> Deities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> visual contrast to the Synagogue interior could not be much greater!<br />
I have happy memories <strong>of</strong> the Synagogue and remember with pleasure hearing<br />
Abraham Banks singing the Hebrew liturgy with his fine tenor voice.<br />
I have visited the Mandir twice and although I have attempted to contact the leaders,<br />
this has so far not resulted in any meaningful contact. I think that we must try and<br />
establish some friendly links with this community so that we may be good neighbours<br />
in times which are difficult for many faith communities.<br />
As <strong>Greenford</strong> changes, the Christian community should remember that hospitality is<br />
part <strong>of</strong> our faith commitment and in the end, we may all learn from each other if we<br />
are prepared to listen and accept differences.<br />
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