Long-serving rabbi leads last service

AN ERA ended for Progressive Judaism on Shabbat as David Hulbert led his final service before retiring as rabbi of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue.

Rabbi Hulbert has been with ELELS and its precursors Barkingside Progressive and Bet Tikvah since his ordination 30 years ago, making him Liberal Judaism’s longest-serving minister with a single community.

Among those paying tribute was the movement’s chief executive, Rabbi Danny Rich, who highlighted his “kind and caring” nature.

He will continue his association with Woodford-based ELELS as emeritus minister, with Richard Jacobi serving as the sole full-time rabbi.

Rabbi Hulbert said he would enjoy being able to spend more time with his family and would pursue interests including beekeeping — he donates the honey to the community at Rosh Hashanah.

He will also continue as a “rambling rabbi”, visiting small congregations.

The minister said afterwards: “I was pleased to see so many lovely people and hear so many lovely things said about my last 30 years as a rabbi in this community.

“Among the gifts I was presented with was a certificate saying they had named a star after me. So at long last, we can say Rabbi David Hulbert is a star.”