Reform rabbi Steven Katz to retire after 44 years in shul founded by his father

A popular Reform rabbi in north London is to retire after 44 years in the pulpit at the shul founded by his father.

Rabbi Steven Katz took over from his father Rabbi Dr Arthur Katz at Hendon almost half a century ago, and has seen it through a recent merger to form Edgware and Hendon Reform congregation.

The shul’s new Senior Rabbi Mark Goldsmith joins from Alyth in March, allowing Katz to hand over to the next generation after decades of work, including mental health awareness, Holocaust education and outreach work.

The synagogue praised Katz’s “huge contribution” and “very significant achievements” after joining as an assistant minister in 1975, adding that he was known for his wisdom, humour, compassion and empathy.