Rabbi Natan Levy leaving Shenley United Synagogue

Shenley United’s Rabbi Natan Levy will be leaving at the end of July.

Congregants were given the news at the community’s 10th anniversary celebration. The shul’s honorary officers wished Rabbi Levy and his family a successful future, adding: “We very much hope that we will stay in contact.”

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School angry at missing the bus on funding

A Hertsmere Jewish Primary governor has expressed fears for its future after Hertfordshire County Council and Education Secretary Michael Gove rejected pleas to retain free or concessionary transport for pupils.

More than 200 of the 480 HJPS pupils use the council-run transport service, which is being abolished at the end of the academic year due to budget cuts.

Governor Abigail Silver said

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Radlett builds up to redevelopment

Radlett Synagogue members have raised more than half the money needed to start work on Project Renewal, a £1.75 million rebuilding scheme which received planning consent four months ago.

At a community meeting convened to report on progress, 100 members were told that more than £400,000 had been collected towards the initial target of £750,000.

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High Holy Days marquee used for interfaith celebrations

Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue put its High Holy-Days marquee to good use between the festivals, joining forces with Radlett United Synagogue, local churches and the neighbouring Bhaktivedanta Manor Hara Krishna Temple to promote interfaith co-operation and fundraise for charity.

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Radlett renewal gets council green light

Hertsmere Council's planning committee has unanimously approved Radlett Synagogue's Project Renewal, a £1.75 million rebuilding and refurbishment scheme.

Described by Radlett board member Paul Krisman as "an affordable and realistic plan for regeneration", it replaces a number of earlier and more ambitious proposals, downgraded in part as a consequence of the economic downturn.

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Radlett Reform recruits worldly woman rabbi

Radlett and Bushey Reform has taken on a multi-national player as its new associate minister and youth director.

Rabbi Celia Surget is expected to take up the post in November, replacing Rabbi David Mitchell, who is joining the rabbinic team at West London Synagogue.

The 33-year-old has a French father and an American mother.

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Radlett builds up

Plans for the £1.65 million rebuilding and refurbishment of Radlett United Synagogue have been submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council, marking the start of a five-week consultation with neighbours and other interested parties.

The submission follows approval of the scheme by shul officers and members.

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West London addition

Rabbi David Mitchell is to join the rabbinic team at West London Synagogue, replacing the America-bound Rabbi Danny Burkeman.

Currently associate minister at Radlett and Bushey Reform, he will take up the post in November.

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A busy start at Radlett

Radlett Synagogue's new ministerial couple hardly had time to draw breath on their arrival before being drawn into a hectic week of activities.

First up, Rabbi Leo Dee delivered a dvar Torah at the synagogue's annual meeting.

There was a large turnout for the Dees' first Shabbat with the community, including a traditional Friday night dinner with more than 100 members.

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Rabbis lobby on Congo

Progressive rabbis have called on the Foreign Office to give greater support to UN peace-keepers in strife-torn Congo.

More than 60 ministers signed a petition to the Foreign Office organised by Radlett and Bushey Reform's Rabbi David Mitchell and Rabbi Colin Eimer from Sha'arei Tsedek North London Synagogue.

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Members backing Radlett expansion

Radlett Synagogue members have expressed support for an ambitious £1.65 million rebuilding and refurbishment project.

Seventy-five people attended a special meeting at which shul chair Andy Katz and building committee head Paul Krisman used visual aids to illustrate how the scheme would offer the enhanced facilities needed by a growing and youthful community.

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Moves to settle Radlett rabbi's claim

Former Radlett Synagogue minister Rabbi Ariel Abel is moving towards an out-of-court settlement of a constructive dismissal claim against the United Synagogue.

A pre-hearing review at Watford Employment Tribunal on Monday was postponed as the parties worked towards agreement. The rabbi and the US both said they could not comment at this stage.

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Growth in Carmel trees

Radlett Synagogue members have achieved their target of funding more than 750 new trees in Israel, following the devastating Carmel Forest fire.

Chairman Andy Katz announced that "the goal has not only been achieved but exceeded". Rather than a Radlett Grove, as originally envisioned, the shul will have an area of woodland named after it.

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