Inductions at the double
CHIEF RABBI Ephraim Mirvis visited Birmingham and Hadley Wood for the induction ceremonies of rabbis Yossi Hambling and Akiva Rosenblatt.
Rabbi Hambling’s induction at Birmingham’s Central United Synagogue drew an attendance of 140. In his welcoming remarks, shul chair Geoffrey Clements thanked Rabbi Mirvis and the US for their help towards recruiting a minister during the pandemic.
In his address, Rabbi Mirvis said it was often the case that a community was “a bit nervous” at an induction — “they see the potential and they are hoping it will be realised. We are past this phase now.
“This community is celebrating what it knows it definitely has.”
Responding, Rabbi Hambling detailed his early innovations and the plans he and wife Channah had for further educational, social and cultural programming.
Thanking his congregation, he said: “You are all great individuals who make up an incredible community. We look forward to travelling the road ahead together with you.”
At Hadley Wood, Rabbi and Batya Rosenblatt are well established, having joined the North London community 18 months ago. But the induction had been delayed by the pandemic.
The Rosenblatts are already proven as an admired rabbinic couple
In the presence of US and civic leaders, the ceremony included a rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone from the synagogue choir, reflecting the rabbi’s support for Liverpool FC.
Hadley Wood’s John Melchior said: “Despite joining during lockdown, Rabbi and Rebbetzen Rosenblatt have made great strides in getting to know the community and are already proven to be a beloved and admired rabbinic couple.”
The Rosenblatts said they were grateful for the welcome they had received and felt “blessed and privileged to serve this vibrant, fast-growing community”.