The United Synagogue

Meet the Rabbi - Rabbi Barry Lerer, Barnet Synagogue

PRESS COVERAGE

London, 23rd August, 2007

MEET THE RABBI - RABBI BARRY LERER, BARNET SYNAGOGUE

Rabbi Barry Lerer, Barnet Synagogue

Rabbi Lerer joined the North London United Synagogue congregation last year, after four years at Watford shul. He was ordained at Jews’ College in 2000 and was inspired to become a rabbi by Hampstead Garden Suburb’s Rabbi Eddie Jackson. He also teaches part-time at Hasmonean High.

Are you a family man?

My wife Naomi and I have three sons aged two to six, so there is a lot of energy in our home. My wife also works — she is founder and head of Girls Action Projects — so we take an equal share in bringing up our children. The great thing about being a rabbi is that, although I work most evenings, I take the older boys to school and spend time with the children when they get home. Between weddings, stone settings, etc, Sundays are reserved for family.

Tell us about a typical week at the synagogue

We have a three daily minyans which are an opportunity for me to meet members and chat. I teach a youth Gemara class, give a weekly adult Gemara class and a class on contemporary Halacha on Shabbat. There are other educational programmes, a table tennis club, Bnei Akiva, a drop-in centre and youth club and a friendship club.

Tell us what you like most about your role

Being there for members, to share in times of joy and to listen in times of distress.

Tell us what you do with your time off

I have just started reading Relevance, a book of essays on Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), written by a dear friend Rabbi Dan Roth. I like to spend time with my family and enjoy football and music.


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Article Credit, Jewish Chronicle, www.thejc.com

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