News
TV director takes on ground-breaking communal role catering to millennials
Stephen Brown has been appointed the United Synagogue’s development worker in Hackney in London
March 13, 2018 09:35
Stephen Brown has been appointed the United Synagogue’s development worker in Hackney in London
March 13, 2018 09:35The United Synagogue has appointed a television director who recently appeared in a BBC documentary on Charedi Jews in Canvey Island as their first ever Community Development worker in Hackney.
Stephen Brown, who has lived in the London borough for over 30 years, will work on a new project aimed at encouraging Jews living in Hackney to engage in community life.
The borough is home to a section of the North-East London Strictly Orthodox community, the largest such community in Europe.
Mr Brown’s role has been created to capitalise on the increased number of young Jewish millennials who have moved into the area – including people from Israel.
He said he was delighted at the new job.
“This is a fantastic place to be Jewish and what I think hasn’t been understood until now is that there’s great potential for Modern Orthodox Jewish life to take root again amongst younger people moving into the area.
“I’m working to support US shul services, great social and cultural activities and building connections with the wider and non-Jewish communities in Hackney.”|
Mr Brown, whose role will also see him work with US communities in Finsbury Park, outside the borough, previously organised the first Hackney Limmud and his three children all attended the local Simon Marks Primary School.
His recent appearance in BBC2’s The Promised Land documentary saw him taking a pivotal role in getting the Stamford Hill Charedi community to cooperate with filmmakers as they relocated move out to Canvey Island in Essex.
Yaacov Finn, the US Community Engagement manager, said: “We are really excited to welcome Stephen. His enthusiasm and ideas will help us reach out to Jews across the area.”