Finchley Progressive Synagogue (FPS) has announced its new rabbi.
Rabbi Elliott Karstadt will be taking over from Rabbi Rebecca Birk, who will be taking up the pulpit at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue.
Rabbi Karstadt, a long-standing member of FPS, will be stepping down from his rabbinical role at Alyth Synagogue after six years, to join the Finchley community in April.
Rabbi Karstadt said he was “delighted” to be coming back to FPS, which he described as “a remarkable community”, adding: “FPS has played a profound role in my development as a rabbi…I am privileged to follow in the footsteps of four exceptional rabbis, each of whom has shaped my understanding of Jewish leadership in different ways.
“I want especially to acknowledge Rabbi Rebecca’s outstanding leadership over the past 16 years. Her vision, warmth and deep commitment to the community have left a lasting legacy, and I hope to build on that foundation as we enter this next chapter together.”
The appointment was warmly welcomed by Rabbi Birk, who said: “I couldn’t be more delighted that Rabbi Elliott Karstadt has been appointed as the next rabbi of FPS. I was so proud to ordain Elliott in 2020, and it gives me enormous pride now to see him become my successor.
“Elliott is a hugely capable and experienced rabbi, combining Jewish knowledge and kindness with a deep understanding of FPS and its members. I look forward to seeing how, under his leadership, FPS will continue to flourish and reach new heights in the years ahead.”
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