A week into their role as rabbinic couple of one of the United Synagogue’s most prestigious shuls, Daniel and Batya Friedman describe Hampstead Garden Suburb as “the perfect fit” for them.
“Everyone has been so warm and so welcoming,” Rabbi Friedman told the JC. “The lay leadership and pastoral support network is amazing.”
The HGSS appointment is something of a homecoming for the minister, who was born in Manchester but raised in Sydney. He was just 21 when he took on his first rabbinic role with Sydney’s Newtown Synagogue, going on to spend 16 years serving with Batya at Beth Israel in Edmonton, Canada.
The Friedmans, both aged 42, are firm believers in the partnership aspect of leadership, which “dates back to our patriarch and matriarch, Abraham and Sarah. Batya and I have always tried to demonstrate that the female leadership is very much there.”
And for Brooklyn-born Mrs Friedman, it is a responsibility that runs in the family — she hails from a long line of rebbetzins.
“Back in the day, rebbetzins did lots of behind-the-scenes work,” the rabbi reflected. “But we live in an age where people need to see the female leadership in the limelight.
“We will do whatever we can to enhance the role of women in the Orthodox community and in the shul.”
In Canada, Mrs Friedman established a women’s study group that met on Shabbat morning and she plans a similar venture at HGSS.
Also in Canada, she was the co-ordinator of Edmonton’s Interfaith Housing Initiative, tackling homelessness.
As proud Zionists, the Friedmans intend to be “the hub of Israel support at the shul. There’s a lot of confusion, especially among young people, in terms of how to discuss Israel — what’s acceptable to say.
“We are here to engage people and to promote Zionism across the spectrum. We welcome conversations and will do our very best to encourage education for future generations.”
The couple say they would be open to speakers from both sides of the conflict addressing members.
“We invite questions from our young adults and we are not afraid to rise to the challenge of responding to those questions,” the rabbi added.
But in general, he does not expect to make any major alterations to HGSS life in the short term.
“You have to be very careful when you come to a new position that you don’t come in and change everything.
“Definitely, in our first year we are going to see how things work and not make huge changes. But we are very excited to see what we can do here.”
For the rebbetzin, the beauty of the congregation is its diversity. “I think that’s what Judaism is all about — being that big umbrella and embracing from the right to the left. I think HGSS has that. You don’t have to be one type of Jew to be a part of our community.”
HGSS activities which have particularly impressed them include the Nefesh Network helpline. Launched in 2006, it offers confidential practical and emotional support to those dealing with issues such as illness and bereavement.
“Sometimes you think in a big shul like this there isn’t going to support for the individual. But the Nefesh Network proves that nobody is left behind,” Rabbi Friedman said. The minister also wants support in place for those with mental health problems.
“We are looking for individuals with a lot of experience in dealing with youth issues. Mental health is a major crisis.”
Three of the couple’s five daughters will, in September, join the Kerem primary school, which is also in Norrice Lea. “They have already fallen in love with the community and can’t wait to start school,” Mrs Friedman said.
