The Movement for Reform Judaism

Three new rabbis were ordained by the Leo Baeck College in the presence of a hundred of its rabbinic graduates at the 50th anniversary ordination service held at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue.

Miriam Bayfield, daughter of Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield, Head of the Reform Movement is taking a pulpit at Finchley Reform Synagogue. Malcolm Cohen will go to West London Synagogue and Neil Janes to Finchley Progressive Synagogue.

The three newly ordained rabbis were welcomed by Rabbi Alexandra Wright, senior rabbi of the LJS and also by incoming Principal Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein. The ordination address was given by the first rabbinic graduate of the College, Rabbi Lionel Blue who charged the ordinands in their work ahead.

Vice Principal Rabbi Dr Michael Shire commented, ‘these three new rabbis, products of our Movements’ youth and young adult programmes demonstrate the vitality of the new rabbinate and the excitement with which rabbinic leadership can infuse new energy into anglo-Jewry. Rabbi Bayfield concluded the ceremony with a blessing invoking the name of Rabbi Dr Louis Jacobs z’l who had signed his ordination certificate as he blessed the three rabbis in their work ahead. Over 500 people attended the ceremony including 100 rabbinic graduates from 15 countries who had gathered for the 50th anniversary International Rabbinic Conference held at Leo Baeck College the following week.

Further information from: Rabbi Dr Michael Shire Vice Principal Leo Baeck College 80 East End Road, London N3 2SY.
Tel Direct: 020 8349 5600
Fax: 020 8349 5619
Email: michael.shire@lbc.ac.uk

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