Britain’s two largest Reform congregations have announced new spiritual leaders.
Alice of Golders Green has appointed third Israeli Reform rabbi Goran Ben Collin as its chief rabbi, while Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) has asked the Rev. Zoe Jacobs to lead its administrative team.
Reverend Jacobs grew up in the FRS, has served as a minister there for 15 years, and is believed to be the first person to be appointed as a clergy leader within a Progressive congregation. She will replace Rabbi Miriam Berger, who is stepping down to launch the Wellspring Project, and will lead a team that includes Rabbis Deborah Blausten and Howard Cooper.
FRS Chair Jenny Nuni said: “FRS has a tradition of bold and innovative choices. Appointing Zoe to lead our clergy team positions FRS as a community, and Progressive Judaism as a whole, at the vanguard of change and strengthens our commitment to spirituality, creativity, , it shows a commitment to new ways of thinking.”
said Cantor Jacobs, who will begin his new role in July. “FRS has always been my spiritual home. For the past 15 years, I have worked with Miriam’s inspirational friends and colleagues to build a new model of collaborative spiritual leadership. I am honored and look forward to following in the footsteps of our extraordinary predecessors and continuing our rich tradition of social activism, deep relationships, and musical activism.”
Cantor Rachel Weston leads the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds, where she is the sole pastor, and Rabbi Gershon Silins, the first cantor of Liberal Judaism, leads the Sinai Synagogue in Leeds is leading.
Cantor Jacobs, who was ordained at the Hebrew Union University Institute of Judaism in the United States, became the first woman to qualify to serve a congregation in the United Kingdom.
FRS has doubled its membership in 10 years and recently moved into a new, purpose-built building.
Rabbi Goran Aris Ben Collin
Rabbi Ben Collin was appointed interim rabbi at the beginning of the year after Rabbi Josh Levy left to become chief executive of the Reform movement and see its union with liberal Judaism as co-leader of the Reform movement. Arrived at Alice (Northwest Reform Synagogue). progressive Judaism.
He is a well-traveled rabbi whose pulpits have included Rosh Pina, Israel’s northernmost Reform community, the Jewish Temple in Florida, USA, and the Peace Synagogue in Tbilisi, Jordan. He is also director of Leo Beck University’s Israel Program.
Rabbi Ben Collin said: “I am honored and pleased to assume the role of Chief Rabbi, in gratitude for our uncompromising and committed lay leadership, our dedicated rabbinical team, and our dedicated staff.” Traveler’s Prayer The words are, “May You lead us to peace, guide our steps to fulfillment, and help us reach our desired destination with vitality, joy, and peace.”
Synagogue Chair Justin Wise added, “We are excited to begin a new phase in Alice’s life in 2020 when our beautiful new building opens.”
The synagogue’s rabbinical team also includes Rabbis Hannah Kingston and Elliot Kerstadt.
