Spur-fect choice for Pinner
PINNER SYNAGOGUE has appointed Ben and Abi Kurzer as its new rabbinic couple and they will join the 1,200-strong congregation in the summer.
Rabbi Kurzer has been involved in communal work for many years, most recently as assistant rabbi at Edgware Synagogue. Prior to that, he was involved in a number of institutions in America while studying at Yeshiva University. A keen footballer, he has turned out twice for the Rabbis XI in charity games against Spurs Legends raising funds for Israel’s Laniado Hospital.
He is also a Tottenham fan, which will make for some interesting conversations with the many Arsenal supporters among his new community.
Mrs Kurzer holds a BSc in psychology and a Masters in clinical social work and is a graduate of the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan programme, which trains female educators.
The couple are “thrilled to be joining this warm, engaged and dynamic community. We have already met some of the wonderful people of Pinner and look forward to this opportunity to work together in taking the shul forward.”
Pinner chair Jonathan Mindell was delighted members had “strongly endorsed the council of management and honorary officers’ choice of the Kurzers.
“We believe they will set us on a clear path of communal renewal and development. We are particularly excited that Pinner will be the first community to fully incorporate the role of a Ma’ayan into what Rebbetzen Kurzer will be spending her time on.”
Although the shul has been without a full-time minister since the departure of Rabbi Danny Bergson last year, rabbis Geoffrey Shisler and Michael Pollak have provided religious support and Rabbi Stanley Coten has assisted with pastoral care.