Rabbi Miriam Berger steps down from Finchley Reform synagogue

The senior rabbi at Finchley Reform Synagogue (FRS) is stepping down to create an organisation championing complementary therapies and the ritual of the mikveh immersion bath.

Rabbi Miriam Berger will leave her position in July 2024 after 18 years in post to found Wellspring, the first of its kind in the UK.

Its website describes it as “a place where people will find ways to heal and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul” and plans to offer “a preventative and therapeutic approach to good mental health, promoting resilience, building and incorporating Jewish rituals such as immersion into active wellbeing and recovery.”

Finchley Reform Synagogue says Rabbi Miriam has brought “inspirational leadership, compassion and commitment. However she will remain part of our community and continue to be present in FRS life.”

Rabbi Berger said: “I may no longer be a member of FRS’s professional team but for me, Jonni and Ben, FRS will continue to be the synagogue to which we belong and where we come to pray, just like the other 14 rabbis and cantors in our membership”.

FRS’ council will now begin the process of seeking out a new Rabbi, saying: “our exceptional clergy team, Cantor Zöe Jacobs, Rabbi Deborah Blausten, and Rabbi Howard Cooper will continue to guide our community with care, energy, and dedication, and they will play a key role in the consultation process.

Jenny Nuni, FRS Chair said: “Rabbi Miriam’s tenure at FRS has been absolutely incredible, ground-breaking and innovative. Her leadership of our community has been integral to our growth, helping to make FRS a flagship synagogue of the Reform movement. We wish her much success in launching Wellspring, a project which she has been passionate about for many years. We look forward to keeping Miriam and her family as much valued community members and are excited for the next part of our journey”.

Wellspring will welcome people of all genders, all faiths and people of non-religious beliefs. It will “be a space to create new rituals and for people to experience immersion on their own terms.” The organisation is a member of the Rising Tide Open Waters international mikveh network.

Trustees include charity governance consultant Sue Pearlman, Rabbi Rose Prevezer (head of community programming at JW3), community activist Ruth Green, business strategist Joe Gamse and marketing expert Juliet Simmons.

For more information, go to Wellspringuk.org.