New senior rabbi appointed at Southgate Progressive Synagogue

A former chief executive of Liberal Judaism has been appointed senior rabbi at Southgate Progressive Synagogue (SPS).

Previously been serving as the community’s interim rabbi, Rabbi Danny Rich will lead the SPS rabbinic team after a rigorous selection process.

Chair Mark Shaw said: “Danny made an immediate positive impact when he joined us on an interim basis, in November last year, and put himself forward as a candidate when we advertised the vacancy at the beginning of February.

“I am delighted that he is now joining us on a permanent basis and look forward to working with him in the future for the benefit and future prosperity of Southgate Progressive Synagogue.”

Rabbi Rich added: “I am humbled and thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in making SPS an exemplar of creative, exciting and responsive Liberal Judaism.”

In his 15 years leading the Liberal movement, Rabbi Rich achieved many notable successes including the opening of new Liberal communities in areas where Judaism had previously not been able to reach, being at the forefront of the successful campaign to ensure equal marriage and fighting for the recognition of all Jews in the wider Jewish community and schooling system, including those of patrilineal descent.

Before then he served as rabbi of Kingston Liberal Synagogue, a position he held for 16 years.