Hendon rabbinical couple chosen to lead Kinloss

Leaders of Finchley United Synagogue, (Kinloss) have chosen Rabbi Dr Yoni Birnbaum and Rebbetzen Elisheva Birnbaum from Toras Chaim in Hendon to lead their community.

Rabbi Birnbaum replaces Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence, who unexpectedly left his 9-year role in May 2023 on sabbatical.

​​A graduate of the Gateshead and Ponovezh Yeshivot, Birnbaum grew up in Kingsbury and received his semicha from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. He completed advanced rabbinical training with the Ner L’Elef Institute in Jerusalem before joining the Hadley Wood synagogue and community in April 2010.

A graduate of the Susi Bradfield Leadership Programme, Rebbetzen Elisheva Birnbaum grew up in Golders Green. She combines her communal duties with her professional work as a paediatric occupational therapist in private practice.

The couple have six children and took up rabbinical positions leading 100 families at Toras Chaim, (the former New Hendon Beis Hamedrash) in 2020.

Rabbi Birnbaum is also a law graduate, and holds a Masters and PhD in Jewish Studies from University College London (UCL)

A statement seen by Jewish News said: “As a leading United Synagogue community, we were fortunate to have a large pool of talented and accomplished applicants apply for the roles. Rabbi Dr and Rebbetzen Birnbaum impressed the rabbinical selection committee with their extensive Torah knowledge, vast community experience, strong engagement and leadership skills and both the Rabbinical Selection Committee and Council were unanimous that Rabbi Dr and Rebbetzen Birnbaum displayed exceptional talents which we are confident will lead the community forward to new heights.”

Members are invited to meet the new couple over Shabbat April 5th and 6th, after which they will cast their votes. In line with United Synagogue bye-laws, the Birnbaums need at least 75% of votes to move the appointment forward.

The couple are due to take up their posts in September.