Sam and Emma Taylor to be Elstree’s new community rabbinic couple

Sam and Emma Taylor are to become Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue’s new community rabbinic couple.

The parents-of-four will take up their roles in August, working across the community while leading its Yavneh community.

Rabbi Taylor, from Stanmore, is Western March Arch shul’s community rabbi. He graduated from Cass Business School and received his rabbinic ordination at Yeshiva University, where he earned a master’s degree in Jewish education.

He is a Jewish Chaplain at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

The rebbetzen, originally from Belmont, teaches history at Hasmonean High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in the subject from King’s College London and was awarded an education master’s degree from Touro College in New York.

As part of the appointment, she will spearhead women’s education projects as a part-time community educator.

Rabbi Sam Taylor said his family had been “blessed with six wonderful years” at Western March Arch and will “very much miss” the community.

“We can’t wait to play a role in the development of one of Anglo-Jewry’s most exciting and forward-thinking communities,” he added.

The rebbetzen said she was “truly honoured” by the appointment. “Education is of the upmost importance and I look forward to increasing learning opportunities for all, but especially for women, in the Borehamwood and Elstree area,” she added.

Simon Mitchell, chair of the Borehamwood and Elstree shul, said he was “delighted”  by the appointment. “Throughout the selection process we were incredibly impressed with the vision, passion and energy both Rabbi Sam and Emma will bring to the role,” he said.