Rabbi Lawrence to lead UK synagogue
AFTER nine years as senior rabbi at The Great Synagogue in Sydney, Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence will return to London later this year to take up the corresponding position at London’s Finchley United (Kinloss) Synagogue.
AFTER nine years as senior rabbi at The Great Synagogue in Sydney, Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence will return to London later this year to take up the corresponding position at London’s Finchley United (Kinloss) Synagogue.
Rabbi Lawrence was officially endorsed by the congregation on Sunday, with 97 per cent of voters supporting his nomination, after he travelled to the UK to spend Shabbat with the community.
He will take over the pulpit vacated last year by Chief Rabbi of the Commonwealth Ephraim Mirvis.
Describing it as “a great honour” to be succeeding the Chief Rabbi at the shul, he said, “It is an exciting challenge. I look forward to joining its accomplished rabbinic team and bringing my experience to the service of its community.”
Rabbi Lawrence also said he had been privileged to serve at The Great Synagogue, where he had made “many wonderful friends”.
“I have been inspired by the strength and energy of its leaders and ministers, the commitment and devotion of its volunteers and the warmth and loyalty of its members.
“I appreciate the support that they have given me and our family. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of their lives and look forward to retaining our relationships.”
Extending a mazal tov to Rabbi Lawrence, Great Synagogue president Michael Gold wrote in an email to congregants: “Rabbi will be back at The Great this coming Shabbat and will remain with us for some time. I will notify you of his departure date in due course.
“Our board and its reconvened ministerial appointments committee are in the initial stages of exploring a number of avenues already available to them, in order to seek a replacement.”
NSW Jewish Board of Deputies president Yair Miller commented: “Rabbi Lawrence has served as a member of the Board of Deputies executive for many years and has done so with distinction.
“His voice has been a thoughtful and invaluable contribution, both publicly and in private, to a range of complex and often-difficult matters, and we will miss his sober counsel.”
GARETH NARUNSKY
Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence
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