Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ginsbury to retire after nearly three decades of service

After more than 27 years of service at Hendon United Synagogue, Rabbi Mordechai and Rebbetzen Judy Ginsbury have announced that they will be retiring as the community’s senior rabbinic couple in May 2027. 

Rabbi Ginsbury said: “It has been our absolute honour and privilege to have served the Shul in our roles over the past 27+ years. We feel that now is the right time for us to make this move. We cannot deny the march of time and feel that it is better to retire from such prestigious positions whilst still blessed to be able to serve the community fully.”

Alan Berkley, chair of Hendon United Synagogue, said: “Rabbi and Rebbetzen Ginsbury have been the driving forces behind the Hendon United Synagogue community for over a quarter of a century. Their dedication and care will be hugely missed on both a communal and personal level.

“This is also an exciting time for them as they plan their next phase and for our community as we begin the process of appointing only our fourth senior rabbi in 80 years.”

Rabbi Ginsbury, whose father was also a United Synagogue rabbi, held positions in Liverpool and Manchester before coming to Hendon United, also known as Raleigh Close, in 1999.

Saul Taylor, president of the United Synagogue, said the couple “have devoted themselves to the Hendon community with outstanding distinction and commitment. Over many years, their leadership, wisdom and personal warmth have inspired generations of families and helped shape the character of this important community.

“Their unwavering dedication has left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. Beyond Hendon, their influence across the United Synagogue has been considerable, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance to a new generation of rabbinic couples who have looked to them as a model of excellence in rabbinic leadership.”

Hendon United Synagogue will start the process of selecting the Ginsbury’s successors shortly.