United Synagogue’s chief exec announces resignation

The United Synagogue’s chief executive has announced his resignation after five years in the role.

Jeremy Jacobs, who previously served as treasurer of the US and as chair of Tribe, said in a statement that it had always been his intention to move on at around this time.

Jacobs said: “I am immensely proud to have served the United Synagogue over the last five years and I can step down in the knowledge that together with an outstanding professional team and inspirational Rabbis, we have achieved a great deal in that period.

Although it had always been my intention to move on after five years, it is a decision I have not taken lightly. Nevertheless, the installation of a new Chief Rabbi, does provide a natural juncture for me to allow the next generation of leadership to step forward.”

Saying he was saddened to receive the chief executive’s resignation, US president Steve Pack added: “His dedication to and pride in the work of the United Synagogue have seen us take great strides forward. Though he has decided that this is an appropriate time to move on, the organisation is much stronger for his involvement and we now look forward to building upon the fantastic work that he has started. We will be working with Jeremy in the coming weeks to identify an interim successor while a formal recruitment process is put in place.”

Jacobs is the fourth chief executive of a major Jewish communal organisations to leave their posts in recent months.