The board at Western Marble Arch synagogue (WMA) has proposed Rabbi Pinchas and Rebbetzin Gila Hackenbroch as their new rabbinic couple.
If approved at an impending EGM, the Hackenbrochs will lead WMA into its next chapter, taking over from Rabbi Daniel and Rebbetzin Ilana Epstein who traded the UK for Australia last year.
Speaking to the JC, WMA’s former president Michael Ziff said: “We’re extremely fortunate to get someone of his outstanding background to bring into the community.”
“There’s a need to bring together the whole of what is left of central Westminster and find ways to work together,” he continued. “I think he’s got many skills which will hopefully energise the young people in that area. Getting them to attend and be involved in the community will progress it to the next level.”
Rabbi Hackenbroch is the immediate past chair of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue and is an accredited mediator and family therapist, with a background in law. Prior to his near two decades in Woodside Park, he was the rabbi of Giffnock Newton Mearns in Glasgow for five years.
Rebbetzin Gila Hackenbroch grew up in Belgium and met her husband in Israel. She has two master’s degrees in psychotherapy and runs her own family psychotherapy practice.
Ziff, who is also the chairman of Maccabi Europe, added that the Hackenbrochs, if approved, will have the full backing of the WMA community. “I believe they will be supported to make that difference – it’s all about teamwork today. A rabbi can’t do it on his own,” he said.
In a message to the WMA congregation, current WMA president Stephen Factor said: “We are a community of diverse demands. A community that needs a leader confident and experienced enough to connect with our formidable heritage. But critically, also a leader who can relate to the strong need for change and innovation, as a new generation develops a different perspective on worship.”
He continued: “The board has spent some considerable time discussing with the Hackenbrochs how we can evolve our community as Jewish society changes, and how we can meet the significant challenges that face our shul. In partnership with Chazan Eitan and Gabriella Freilich, we are confident we will have an energetic, creative and innovative team to take us forward into the future.”
Hackenbroch, who grew up in Stanmore and attended Hasmonean High School, is departing Woodside Park Synagogue (WPS) after 18 years of dedicated service.
Andrew Harris, current chair of WPS, said in a statement to the congregation that “this truly is a bittersweet moment for our community”.
He continued: “For nearly two decades, Rabbi Hackenbroch and Gila have been at the heart of WPS. They have shaped our spiritual direction, strengthened our communal bonds and provided pastoral care and guidance to so many members at pivotal moments in their lives.
“We will miss them and their wonderful family enormously. At the same time, we are proud that they have been chosen for this exciting and significant new opportunity and we wish them every success and continued blessing in this next challenge.”
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