Sutton Synagogue’s new ministerial couple want to raise awareness of their “incredible community”.

Rev Shmully and Tamara Aronson took up their first community position at the 180-family South London congregation last March.
The minister is a Mancunian — and a Manchester United fan — who studied in yeshivot in Gateshead and Israel.

The family of his South African born wife moved to Manchester when she was seven and she studied in Gateshead. Upon their return to Manchester in 2015, she worked as a special needs education co-ordinator while he oversaw yeshivah programmes to help the developmement of young adults.

Prior to their Sutton appointment, they were actively involved in Welwyn Garden City Synagogue — and with Jewish students at the nearby Hertfordshire University.

The couple, who have two young children, are currently enrolled in the Rabbinic Training Academy led by Rabbi Shaul Rosenblatt, designed to nurture and broaden the skills of community leaders.

Rev Aronson said they had been welcomed “with open arms” at Sutton. It was important to maintain the congregation as “a strong Jewish hub of activity in South London.

“In the coming year we will work to raise more awareness of our incredible community. Through exciting, meaningful and relevant educational, social and cultural activities, we hope to offer something for anyone who wishes to tap into our beautiful Jewish heritage in a style that works for them.