The United Synagogue

Hendon & Stanmore Announce New Rabbinic Teams

PRESS RELEASE

London,
8th August 2011


HENDON & STANMORE ANNOUNCE NEW RABBINIC TEAMS

Two of the largest US communities have this week announced new Rabbinic teams - Rabbi Jonny and Chana Hughes will be joining Hendon United Synagogue as its new Associate Rabbi and Rebbetzen, while Stanmore and Canons Park United Synagogue have announced the appointment of Rabbi Benji and Rebbetzen Aviva Landau as the new Assistant Community Rabbi and Rebbetzen.

At Hendon United Synagogue, Rabbi Jonny and Chana Hughes will be working alongside Senior Rabbi and Rebbetzen Ginsbury to enhance educational and social programming in the community with a specific focus upon young professionals and families.

As new Assistant Community Rabbi at Stanmore and Cannons Park United Synagogue, Rabbi Landau will be responsible primarily for supporting and developing activity for youth, students and young adults in the community and to implement the US Tribe curriculum. He will also support Rabbi Lew in communal and pastoral activities.

Rabbi and Rebbetzen Landau are expected to start their post later this month giving them time to get to know the Community in the run up to the Jewish New Year. Rabbi Jonny and Chana Hughes will take up their new posts at the beginning of September.

On hearing the news of his appointment at Hendon, Rabbi Hughes said:
“We feel truly privileged to be part of one of the most dynamic and vibrant Jewish communities in the UK. We are eagerly looking forward to making a unique and lasting contribution and will relish the tremendous opportunities to be found in Hendon.”

Daniel Rose, Vice Chairman of Hendon, who led the recruitment process together with Rabbi Ginsbury and US professionals from the Community Development Department, commented:
“We are delighted to be welcoming Rabbi Jonny and Rebbetzen Chana Hughes to our community. With their range of skills, enthusiasm and passion for Jewish living and learning, we very much look forward to them building on the fine work of their predecessors Rabbi Leo and Rebbetzen Lucy Dee. Rabbi and Rebbetzen Hughes will play a key role in engaging with our Community’s significantly increasing number of young professionals, families and children. This appointment is the next stage in the planned growth of our Community following the opening of the new Hardman Wing and we are grateful to the US Community Development Department for its valued support in helping us to make this vital appointment.”

Following his appointment at Stanmore, Rabbi Landau commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be appointed Assistant Rabbi and Rebbetzen of such a prominent and active community. We are both looking forward to dedicating ourselves to the ongoing success of youth activities, as well as other aspects of the community.”

Philip Hertz, chairman of Stanmore and Canons Park United Synagogue commented:
"We are delighted that Rabbi and Aviva Landau have agreed to join us. They have already made a very favourable impression on the Community and we look forward to working with them in the future".

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Notes to Editors:

Currently in Israel, Rabbi Jonny teaches at a number of Yeshivot and Seminaries. With a law degree from UCL, his talents also extend to songwriting with two albums to his name, as well as previously being on the books at both Swindon Town and Reading Football Club Academies. Rabbi Jonny is currently putting the finishing touches to his second book, ‘Understanding Reb Elchonon’. His first book, ‘Understanding Reb Chaim’ – a translation and interpretation of the writings of Reb Chaim HaLevi Soloveitchik, has been widely acclaimed.

London born Rebbetzen Chana was educated at Hasmonean Girls School and also studied at Gateshead Seminary. She has taught at a number of Jewish schools in London and Seminaries in Israel. Already with a teaching degree from King’s College London, Chana is currently studying for her second degree in psychology. Working as a graphic designer, she is also a dedicated mother to three young children. At Hendon United Synagogue, Chana will be working with the community’s young women, mothers and families on a number of educational and social activities.

Both Rabbi and Rebbetzen Landau have a background in working in education and with youth, most recently at Aish HaTorah on the J*Link programme. Prior to this and receiving semicha, Rabbi Landau obtained a degree in Business Studies from the University of Westminster. Rebbetzen Landau attended seminary and has a degree in History from University College London.

For further information, please contact:

Leonie Furman
The PR Office
Work: 020 7284 6969
Email: us@theproffice.com

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