Senior Kinloss rabbi unexpectedly steps down after nine years

The senior rabbi at Finchley United Synagogue, (Kinloss) is stepping down from his role after nine years.

The announcement that Rabbi Jeremy Lawrence was leaving the north London community was communicated to members via an email from synagogue co-chairmen, Darren Lewis and Jeremy Mindell earlier this week.

Thanking Rabbi Lawrence for his contribution to Kinloss over the best part of a decade, it said the community had “benefited from his pastoral care for so many in our community, his thoughtful teaching and his commitment to deliver meaningful life-cycle events” and cited the “successful developments both at Kinloss and at Sacks Morasha JPS” spearheaded by the rabbi and his wife Mandy.

“We know that Rabbi Lawrence is looking forward to the opportunity to spread his wings professionally. Although he will not be returning to Kinloss as our senior rabbi, he will always be welcome back in Kinloss as a friend and visiting rabbi.

“The entire Lawrence family is highly regarded by our members and in the wider Jewish community. In due course, there will be a farewell event and we will let the community know when this is planned.”

Prior to his formal departure, Rabbi Lawrence will take a sabbatical, earned over his years in Kinloss.

Rabbi Lawrence said: “Like many of us, post-Covid, I welcome the chance to give some time to new horizons. After almost three decades as a congregational rabbi, I have a great deal to offer but also relish the chance to learn. Kinloss has been my strong focus over the last many years and it is a community that I love. A large congregation is a tireless master, and I am keen to have greater scope to further my experience in interfaith and media.

“I do, however, look forward to being able to accept long-standing invitations to act as Scholar-in-Residence at other synagogues.”

Rabbi Hackenbroch, chair of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue, said: “Rabbi Lawrence is an esteemed chaver. We have always valued his contributions as a speaker at our meetings and events and look forward to hosting him at Woodside Park”

Jo Grose, chief executive of the United Synagogue said: “Rabbi Lawrence has made a great impact on the Kinloss and wider community in his time as senior rabbi. He is a person of integrity and good character, whose tireless work through difficult times and whose commitment to Torah and Am Yisrael has been invaluable. I have enjoyed our meetings and his perspective on the Anglo Jewish community. We wish him well and thank Rabbi and Mandy Lawrence for their contribution.”

Following almost a decade as senior rabbi of Sydney’s Great Synagogue in Australia, Rabbi Lawrence succeeded Sir Ephraim Mirvis at Kinloss in January 2014, following the latter’s appointment as Chief Rabbi.

In conjunction with the United Synagogue, Kinloss has already begun its process of recruiting a new senior rabbi or rabbinic couple for its community.