Rabbi David Mason gets a rousing send off from Muswell Hill shul
The fond farewell to popular United Synagogue rabbi featured a family picnic, Shabbat service, musical tribute, interfaith messages and kiddush with dignitaries
Rabbi David Mason has left the (shul) building. The popular United rabbi has been given a warm community send-off after leading Muswell Hill synagogue for 15 years. He leaves to start a new role as Executive Director of Hias and JCore, an organisation committed to leading a Jewish response to issues around refugees and social justice.
The send-off for the Mason family included a young families’ event, a picnic with cheder families, a Shabbat service and kiddush attended by local dignitaries including Haringey MP Catherine West and Councillor Ajda Ovat, the Deputy Mayor of Haringey, as well as Marie van der Zyl, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews.
Speakers from across local faith groups including Bibi Khan Deputy Lord Lt and Chair of Wightman Road Mosque, praised Rabbi David for his inclusive attitude and pioneering work as Chair of the Haringey Multi Faith.
A women’s mincha and seudah were held to celebrate Elisheva Mason and particularly her achievements in increasing opportunities for women’s prayer at Muswell Hill synagogue. She has been instrumental in developing the women’s Megillah readings and for Bat Mitzvah girls to leading women’s services.
The finale of the events was a dinner for members on Sunday 21st May including sketches, a song by the Mason family and a performance by the Muswell Hill shul band featuring Rabbi David on lead vocals for songs such as “I wish it could be Shabbat every day”
A message from London Mayor Sadiq Khan was played at the event where he wished the Rabbi the best of luck and praised him on his interfaith work in Haringey.
Daniel Shaw Chair of Muswell Hill Synagogue said: “Rabbi David, Elisheva and the Mason Family gave 15 years of outstanding service to Muswell Hill Synagogue and the wider community. We wanted to give the Mason Family the best send-off possible. The enthusiasm with which everyone joined in the events of their leaving tour is a measure of the respect and affection in which Rabbi David and the Mason Family are held by the whole community.”
A United Synagogue rabbi for 19 years, Mason had also previously served at Kingston shul, and been consulted by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and other senior religious figures at times for advice over environmental issues. His work around sustainability with the EcoSynagogue was widely acclaimed both within the Jewish world and outside.
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