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Manchester Reform Synagogue appoints new rabbi
Rabbi Scott Aaron excited for 'adventure' as he and his wife leave Chicago, USA to join 'fantastic community'
Manchester Reform Synagogue has appointed Rabbi Scott Aaron to lead their community.
He joins the shul from Chicago, USA, where he held a number of senior communal roles including as associate vice president (community outreach and engagement) of the Jewish United Fund and a professional mentor and adjunct faculty at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.
Rabbi Aaron will be joined in Manchester by his wife, educator Rabbi Donni Aaron.
He said: “Donni and I are very excited about this adventure. Even though we are moving far away, we are coming to a great city and joining a fantastic community. We are also looking forward to working with our clergy colleagues across the United Kingdom and Ireland to increase the visibility and voice of Progressive Judaism.”
Synagogue chair Harold Weinstock said: “We have waited patiently to welcome Rabbi Scott, along with Rabbi Donni, and see this as an amazing opportunity to reach out, rebuild our community and breathe life into our future.”
On his first day in the role, Rabbi Scott attended the regular meeting between the three Manchester Progressive communities – Manchester Reform Synagogue, Menorah and Sha’arei Shalom – and the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester.
Manchester Reform Synagogue had been without a full-time rabbi or a permanent home for the last three years after Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen’s departure to pursue a doctorate and the sale of the former Jackson’s Row synagogue.
In the interim period, it was supported by Rabbis Warren Elf and Rabbi Lisa Barrett.
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