Finchley United Synagogue announces new senior rabbinic couple

Finchley United Synagogue (Kinloss) has officially appointed a new senior rabbinic couple, after Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum and Rebbetzen Elisheva Birnbaum were overwhelmingly elected by the membership on Sunday.

As reported by Jewish News, Rabbi and Rebbetzen Birnbaum began their rabbinical journey at Hadley Wood Jewish community in 2010 where their dedication to growing the community culminated in the need for a new shul building and community centre.

From there they moved to Kehillas Toras Chaim in Hendon in 2020 where they are currently the serving rabbinic couple. Rabbi Birnbaum also serves as director of marriage authorisation at the Office of the Chief Rabbi and director of the conversion department of the London Beth Din.

Rebbetzen Birnbaum is an occupational therapist, specialising in children with additional needs and will continue her professional work alongside supporting the Kinloss community where she will focus on pastoral care, chesed, the Kinloss children and youth as well as supporting and building women’s initiatives.

The Birnbaums have six children, Nechama (19), Shimi (17), Tobi (14), Sara (12), Ayala (8) and Libby (3).

Rabbi and Rebbetzen Birnbaum, expected to begin their roles in September 2024, said: “We are deeply honoured and delighted to have been elected as Senior Rabbi and Rebbetzen of Finchley United Synagogue, a community renowned for its sense of purpose and immense potential. While we are of course sad to leave the wonderful Toras Chaim community, which will always have a special place in our hearts, we look forward to this new opportunity with enthusiasm and great anticipation. With Hashem’s help, we look forward to partnering with the Kinloss community in building an outstanding powerhouse of community life, filled with warmth, meaningful Torah values and above all a place every member can call home.”

Darren Lewis and Jeremy Mindell, co-Chairs of Finchley United Synagogue, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rabbi and Rebbetzen Birnbaum to Kinloss. Their wealth of experience and dedication positions them ideally to guide our community into a flourishing future. Together, we look forward to embarking on a transformative journey marked by inspiration, education, and communal development.”