The United Synagogue

Meet The Rabbi - Rabbi Ariel Abel, Radlett United Synagogue

PRESS COVERAGE

London, 18th January, 2008

MEET THE RABBI - RABBI ARIEL ABEL, RADLETT UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Rabbi Abel, who gained ordination in 1997 in Jerusalem, took over the pulpit at Radlett’s United Synagogue congregation in 2006. He has lectured in Judaism, theology and religions at three universities — Liverpool, Hope University College and Oxford — and is currently director of the London semicha (ordination) programme for the Judith Lady Montefiore College, based at Lauderdale Road Synagogue.

Tell us about your family life

My wife, Debora Sofia, and I have children, aged from four to 12. Like everyone else in the Radlett community, I have pressured time schedules to keep to, including commuting to schools in Brent. Leisure time is rare, but when it occurs, it is spent on a family half-day trip to a place of natural beauty or educational interest.

Describe a typical week

The rabbi is typically the first point of contact for many religious and non-religious issues affecting the lives of members. Most people need instantaneous or near-immediate response, so I do not know what I would do without my Blackberry device. Shabbat mornings and Sundays are peak time and a busy social, educational and pastoral schedule crowd out most parts of the week. Smart time management and on-the-ball communication is the only way to survive. A rabbi without a chazzan assistant has to be prepared to jump in, but has valuable support from wardens and lay readers.

Tell us what you like most about your role

For me, it is seeing young members develop greater commitment to Judaism and the community as a result of their involvement in the social and religious life of the congregation. Critically, everything a congregational rabbi does as part of his duties doubles as outreach.

Tell us what you do in your spare time

I enjoy healthy exercise, dining out on decent food, and am very involved in supporting the UJIA Galilee project.

Define your Judaism in a dozen words

Enjoying life responsibly, bringing light into the lives of those less fortunate, and seeing the good in everyone.


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Article Credit, Jewish Chronicle, www.thejc.com

this week
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May. 25th - 26th
5th Sivan
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Ends: 22:03
Sedra: Bamidbar

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