After more than 27 years of service to the Hendon United Synagogue community, Rabbi Mordechai and Rebbetzin Judy Ginsbury have announced they will be stepping down as the community’s senior rabbinic couple in May 2027.
Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ginsbury began their roles in Hendon, having spent 14 years in Manchester.
During their time at the shul, they have launched several initiatives, including Hendon CARES, the Kashrut Assurance Programme, the Minyanim Forum and have created programmes for barmitzvah and batmitzvah children.
The couple have also worked outside the Hendon community, with Rebbetzin Ginsbury providing support to single people and Rabbi Ginsbury working in rabbinic development, most recently as the associate director for the United Synagogue’s Centre for Rabbinic Excellence.
Rabbi Ginsbury said: “It has been our absolute honour and privilege to have served the shul in our roles over the past 27-plus years. We feel that now is the right time for us to make this move. We cannot deny the march of time and feel that it is better to retire from such prestigious positions whilst still blessed to be able to serve the community fully.”
Alan Berkley, chair of Hendon United Synagogue, said: “Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ginsbury have been the driving forces behind the Hendon United Synagogue community for over a quarter of a century. Their dedication and care will be hugely missed on both a communal and personal level.
“This is also an exciting time for them as they plan their next phase, and for our community as we begin the process of appointing only our fourth senior rabbi in 80 years.”
Saul Taylor, president of the United Synagogue, said: “Rabbi and Rebbetzin Ginsbury have devoted themselves to the Hendon community with outstanding distinction and commitment. Over many years, their leadership, wisdom and personal warmth have inspired generations of families and helped shape the character of this important community.
“Their unwavering dedication has left a lasting legacy that will be felt for years to come. Beyond Hendon, their influence across the United Synagogue has been considerable, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance to a new generation of rabbinic couples, who have looked to them as a model of excellence in rabbinic leadership.”
Hendon United Synagogue will shortly begin planning for the process of appointing a new senior rabbinic couple.
READ NEXT: an extract from Rabbi Ginsbury’s book: The Jigsaw Puzzle of Life – a Rabbi’s Perspective
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