Pinner Synagogue marks Shabbat UK with delayed welcome for rabbi and rebbetzen
Hundreds celebrate as Chief Rabbi welcomes new leaders of Pinner Synagogue for Shabbat Uk - though their induction was postponed a year ago
The induction of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kurzer, cancelled in March 2020, and the Seudah Shlishit, attended by more than 170 people, were the highlights of Shabbat UK for Pinner Synagogue.
More than 600 people living in and around Pinner got involved with the events as past chairman, Jonathan Mindell, welcomed the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.
Rabbi Mirvis addressed the evening with a speech honouring and recognising the contribution of Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kurzer since their appointment in August 2019.
Mr Mindell gave an example of Rabbi Kurzer’s initial impact on the community – its regular Women’s Discussion Group, which was moved from 11am to 10am on Shabbat morning so members could hear Rabbi Kurzer’s sermon.
Chief Rabbi Mirvis explained this could no longer be called an induction in the sense Rabbi Kurzer’s leadership was already well established, and he was much loved and respected by the entire community. He was sure Pinner was in safe hands under the leadership of its “dream team”. Rabbi Kurzer responded with thanks, and looked forward to enabling Pinner to grow under his direction.
Pinner’s current chair, Lisa Olins, presented the Kurzers with a beautiful challah board, with an inscription celebrating the occasion.
Vice-chair Shereen Presky said: “This was absolutely Pinner at its best and the warmth in the room for Rabbi and Rebbetzen Kurzer was truly palpable.”
The weekend started when the Shul heard from guest speaker Rabbi Jessie Horn at the Friday night dinner, attended by 150 members, many of whom had not been back to the Synagogue for two years – desserts were made by Pinner youth in the build up to the event. Food packages were delivered to elderly members. After Shul on Shabbat morning, community members opened their homes to others with kiddushim, run for neighbours involving nearly 250 people.
Families with young children gathered for an ‘around the world’ themed lunch where they learnt songs in languages spoken by those in attendance including Portuguese, Farsi and French.
Tere was a guided walk within the Pinner Eruv with stops en route to admire Pinner’s various historic houses and landmarks, all in glorious sunshine
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