US election race hots up

WHILE UNITED Synagogue president Stephen Pack will be unopposed for a second term in next month’s elections, the contest is on for the remaining trustee posts of Britain’s largest synagogue organisation.

In the first election in which women are allowed to stand for the executive, six women are competing for the four posts reserved for them as trustees.

Doreen Samuels and Leonie Lewis (both Pinner Synagogue), who under the old system have attended trustee meetings only as observers, face a challenge from Claire Lemer (Hampstead Garden Suburb), Sylvia Hartman (Edgware), Lisa Olins (Pinner) and Jacqui Zinkin (Golders Green).

Previously three vice-presidents and three treasurers were elected beside the president. Now the only specified post apart from the presidency will be a single treasurer. Current co-treasurer Brian Markeson (Watford) will go head-to-head for the post with Maxwell Nisner (Belmont).

Six candidates are contesting the four posts for women trustees

The three remaining trustee posts open to men will be contested by vicepresidents Stephen Fenton (Bushey) and Russell Kett (Belmont), co-treasurer Stephen Lubinsky (Borehamwood), Gary Simon (Woodside Park), Alan Graham (Bushey), Stephen Goldman (Edgware) and Mr Nisner, if he is not elected treasurer.

The new system, approved by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at the end of last year, allows for four male and four female trustees — including the treasurer — plus a male president of the organisation who ensures a male majority.