New rabbinic couple appointed at Radlett United synagogue

Radlett United Synagogue has appointed new rabbinic couple Rabbi Nick and Shira Kett, who were voted in by members receiving more than 99% of votes in favour.

Rabbi Nick and Shira are currently the community Rabbi and Rebbetzen of Bushey & District United synagogue and are taking over from Rabbi and Rebbetzen Hughes who stepped down this year.

Rabbi Nick was educated at JFS and grew up attending Belmont United Synagogue. Shira grew up in Hendon, attended Hendon United synagogue and was educated at Hasmonean.

The couple lived in Jerusalem when they first got married while Rabbi Nick studied for the Rabbinate at Netiv Aryeh in Jerusalem. He then studied Law at the University of Manchester.

Shira is a professional wig stylist and hairdresser, a budding painter and graphic/web designer, an accomplished cook and baker, and worked in interior design. She is passionate about social and educational programming for women.

The couple served Hale & District Hebrew Congregation in Cheshire for five years, and have been the community Rabbinic couple in Bushey for the last six years.

Rabbi Nick and Shira Kett said: “We are so excited and honoured to be given this opportunity to work with the Radlett community. They have already made us feel so welcome, and we look forward to formally becoming a part of the community and making Radlett our home.”

Stephen Grossman, the Chair of Radlett United Synagogue, said: “We are all so excited to have Rabbi Nick and Shira joining us as our new Rabbinic couple. Nine months ago when Rabbi and Rebbetzen Hughes told me that they would be stepping down, we immediately identified the Ketts as possible candidates.

“They will officially start in the lead up to Chanukah and I could not think of a better present for our community following a rigorous recruitment process. My team and I feel very honoured to have been able to recruit the Ketts to Radlett given they are a much sought-after couple.

“This is the start of a very new and exciting era for Radlett United Synagogue, which I am certain will bring the community together and back into Shul but will also help utilise the entire building on a regular basis to become the vibrant community centre for its members and other adjoining communities.”

The Ketts have four children and hope to take up their new role by Chanukah this year.