Richard Verber leaves WJR for United Synagogue role

Outgoing senior vice-president at the Board of Deputies Richard Verber has been appointed as Communications Director at the United Synagogue.

Verber, a longstanding member of Golders Green United Synagogue, joins from the communications team at World Jewish Relief, where he has worked for six years, covering the Jewish community’s response to natural and man-made disasters.

He previously worked for the Union of Jewish Students and University Jewish Chaplaincy, but rose to national prominence three years ago, when he became the Board’s youngest ever honourary officer.

A US spokesman noted both Verber’s professional and lay roles “built on outstanding communication skills and an excellent knowledge of the Jewish community,” adding: “He will be an invaluable addition to The US’ senior team.”

Verber said he would be sorry to leave WJR, “but the prospect of joining the United Synagogue as Director of Communications is tremendously exciting”.

He added: “The US is vital to Jewish life in the UK and I look forward to building its reputation by engaging with its members and the wider community in a vibrant and dynamic dialogue.”

The organisation’s chief executive Steven Wilson said Verber was “an experienced and innovative communal professional with the skills we need” with “a great track record of success across a range of communal initiatives”.