Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen – Co-Chair
Rabbi Robyn is one of our two co-chairs of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors.
She is currently undertaking a PhD in Rabbinic Leadership and Biblical Studies with the University of Leeds under a AHRC scholarship. Since her undergraduate degree in Theology and Religious Studies at Newnham College, Cambridge, Robyn worked as a Human Rights lawyer and then began training for the rabbinate at Leo Baeck College.
Upon ordination she worked as Manchester’s first female rabbi at Manchester Reform Synagogue, for a number of years. Robyn is currently co-chair of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors in the UK. Robyn regularly appears in UK media, is a Pause for Thought contributor and her work has been published in various books and journal.
Robyn is interested in creating safe, anti-oppressive, relational, textured, activist communities built by individuals who are enabled to step into their own power and collectively organise for a more just world.
Rabbi Kath Vardi – Co-Chair
Rabbi Kath Vardi is one of our two co-chairs of the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors.
Originally from the North, Rabbi Kath is the rabbi to North West Surrey Synagogue in Weybridge and has been with the community since her ordination in 2018. Before joining the rabbinate Kath had a career in the NHS as a mental health nurse and later as a service manager. Following a return to study to read Jewish Studies at Manchester University, Kath joined the college.
Kath is committed to building diverse and inclusive Jewish spaces both in and outside the synagogue where Jewish meaning making comes in all different shapes, colours, and expressions. To this end she is currently completing a Masters in Faith Based Leadership with the University of Birmingham. She is excited and honoured to be taking up this role alongside Rabbi Robyn and looks forward to working with the wider Progressive Jewish community as we begin our journey together to strengthen the Progressive Jewish voice in the UK and build a new Progressive Movement.