From Canada to the Suburb — HGS approves choice for new minister
RABBI DANIEL Friedman, the British-born minister of Beth Israel Synagogue in Edmonton, Canada, has been approved as the new rabbi of Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue.
HGS members voted on Sunday to accept the nomination of the synagogue’s board for a successor to Rabbi Dov Kaplan, who returns to Israel next year after seven years with the northwest London congregation. They will start their roles in the summer.
Rabbi Friedman and his wife Batya carried out a number of speaking engagements at HGS over Shabbat but flew home before the vote was counted.
“We have just enjoyed a most wonderful Shabbat at HGSS,” the couple said. “The vibrancy of the community, the warmth of the people, the care and love everyone has for one another is far beyond words. We are so grateful the community has placed their confidence in us. We are really looking forward to becoming part of the team at Norrice Lea.”
The rabbi later told the JC that he and his wife looked forward to continuing a “proud history of modern Orthodox rabbinic leadership” at HGS. The shul was “a centre of Torah excellence, women’s participation and dedication to the Jewish community and beyond”.
According to United Synagogue regulations, the rabbinic choice must be endorsed by a 75 per cent majority of members who vote.