The Movement for Reform Judaism

Ian Luder and Michael Bear will both serve one year as Sheriff, after which time it is expected that both will serve as Lord Mayor at some point in the next few years. Reform Movement Head, Rabbi Dr Tony Bayfield will act as Jewish Chaplain to Ian Luder, both during his time as Sheriff and should he become Lord Mayor of London. Rabbi Abraham Levy of Bevis Marks Synagogue will be Chaplain for Michael Bear. Both Sheriffs will also have Church of England Chaplains from their Wards.

As Chaplain, Rabbi Bayfield will accompany the Sheriff on official engagements and processions; he will lead Grace after Meals and will be available to offer spiritual guidance and support to the Sheriff in his public role. The families of the two men have been connected since Ian Luder’s father, Mark (now in his 90s and a member of Southgate & District Reform Synagogue) was teaching at Upton House School in Hackney at the time when Rabbi Bayfield’s father, Ronald, became head teacher there.

Ian Luder describes himself as a Londoner through and through. A member of West London Synagogue, Mr Luder grew up in North London, had his bar-mitzvah at Southgate & District Reform Synagogue and attended The Haberdashers’ Aske’s School in Elstree. He went on to study at University College London before qualifying in the City as a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Tax Advisor in 1974. He was a partner in Arthur Andersen and is now a partner with Grant Thornton. For 23 years Mr Luder served as a member of Bedford Borough Council. Ian is married to Lin, who has spent her career working in law firms, and now Heads IT for the City office of a leading New York law firm. She is also active in the Civic City, a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fletchers, and of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, the latter also being the Mother Livery of Lord Levene.

He commented: “As the grandson of immigrants to London, and having lived and worked most of my life in the City, I feel my experience as a London Jew exemplifies the positive experience that Jewish immigrants have had in general. The City of London has always welcomed families like mine who have come as immigrants and wish to study here and build their businesses and their lives here. The fact that we are about to be honoured as Sheriff of this wonderful city demonstrates the successful integration of the Jewish community and shows we are playing a full part in London Civic life.”

Michael Bear is a member of the New North London Masorti Synagogue. He is married to Barbara and they have two children, Amy and Marc. Both Michael's and Barbara's families come from South Africa, although Michael was schooled as a boarder at Clifton College in Bristol. Michael is a Civil Engineer by background and is the Managing Director of Balfour Beatty Property and Regeneration Director at Hammerson. Michael's Chaplain, Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, previously served as Chaplain to the last Jewish Lord Mayor, Lord Peter Levene. His synagogue, Bevis Marks, is the only synagogue in the City.

Rabbi Bayfield added: “I think that it is amazing that a small community like ours can provide both Sheriffs and it will be a real privilege to play a small part in such an ancient and important aspect of British life.”

For further details, please contact: Andrea Newman, Public Relations

Notes for Editors

• For more info on the post of Sheriff of London, visit www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

• There have been eight Jewish Lord Mayors of London including Sir David Salomans and Sir Bernard Whaley Cohen. Lord Levine was the last Jewish Lord Mayor, in 1998-99.

• Ian Luder’s Anglican Chaplain will be Dr Alan Griffin, Rector of St Andrew by the Wardrobe; Michael Bear’s Anglican Chaplain will be Rev Dr Brian Lee, Rector St Botolphs Church-without-Aldgate.

• A double Aldermanic Shrievalty has only happened four times in the past 25 years – the last time was 11 years ago.

• In 1933-34 the two Jewish Sheriffs were Alderman Isodore Nathan Jacobs and Mr Samuel Josephs.

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