Westminster Synagogue has appointed student rabbi Kamila Koprivova as an additional minister in a first for the central London congregation.

The move – ratified by members at its AGM – reflects the community’s growth and will see Koprivova join Rabbi Benji Stanley and emeritus rabbi Thomas Salamon after her ordination at Leo Baeck College in early September.

Czech-born Koprivova previously worked as a scientific journalist and a social media manager.
She is already well known to Westminster regulars, having spent the last year of her rabbinic training with the community.

There is also a resonance to the appointment of the first Czech woman rabbi to the synagogue which assumed responsibility for 1,564 rescued Czech Sefer Torahs through the Memorial Scrolls Trust.

Koprivova said she felt “blessed” for the opportunity. “In the past months, the whole community has brought so much joy, learning and love for Torah to my life and I am thrilled to continue on this journey of mutual teaching and growth.”

Shul chair Debra Hauer said the appointment “signifies our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our growing community”.

Close to 150 households have joined the shul since 2020 and the congregation now comprises over 600 families.