The professional leadership of the UK’s oldest synagogue body has remained in female hands with the advent of Rebecca Doctors as the new executive director of the S&P Sephardi Community.
She has taken over from Rachel Fink, chief executive for three years, who returned to Israel last week.
Doctors said she was “truly honoured” to serve “this remarkable and historic community. I am eager to apply my background as an employment solicitor, along with my experience in operational leadership, to support the S&P Sephardi Community’s ongoing growth and success.”
Having joined the organisation in September, she said during the transition period she had “dedicated myself to establishing a strong foundation through meaningful engagement with key stakeholders and partner organisations to better understand our priorities. In collaboration with the trustees, we are actively shaping both immediate and long-term goals.”
For the previous 12 years, she was school business manager of the cross-communal Alma Primary in Friern Barnet, playing a key role in the establishment of the school. She has a certificate of school business management.
A member of the council of Finchley United Synagogue, she “is widely respected for her professionalism, warmth and approachibility,” S&P leaders told their members.
She has a personal connection to the S&P’s flagship congregation at Lauderdale Road in Maida Vale, where her grandparents, Victoria and Nahum Batchat were devoted members.
She said: “Exciting times lie ahead for the S&P Sephardi Community, particularly with the upcoming appointment of Rabbi and Rabbanit Ellituv as our new Senior Rabbinic couple from January.
“I am pleased to have initiated preparations in advance of their arrival, to ensure a seamless transition, enhance operational efficiency, and foster deeper community engagement.”
Fink had previously lived in Israel for 10 years before coming back to London to take up leading roles at Hasmonean High School for Girls and JFS.
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