Induction of Rabbi Yuval Keren
Thursday, 26 November 2009
The Induction Service of Rabbi Yuval Keren took place last Sunday at Hendon Reform Synagogue. The Service was conducted by Rabbi Steven Katz, Senior Rabbi of the community.
Attending were Head of the Movement, Rabbi Dr. Tony Bayfield and Chief Executive Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, Rabbi Danny Rich, Chief Executive of Liberal Judaism, Rabbi Charles Emanuel, Emeritus Rabbi of North Western Reform Synagogue, Rabbi Thomas Salamon from Westminster Synagogue, Rabbi Amanda Golby and Father John Hawkins of St John the Evangelist in West Hendon.
Rabbi Bayfield noted that the community was thriving despite being situated in an ultra-orthodox area of North West London, telling the congregation that the Movement for Reform Judaism had great confidence in Rabbi Keren.
‘Keeping Jewish Tradition Progressive’ was the theme of Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand’s address, maintaining that authentic Judaism is not static, that it should always be developing and growing. She was delighted that both Hendon Reform Synagogue and Rabbi Keren embody this and that Rabbi Keren would offer new ideas and fresh energy to the synagogue.
Welcoming Rabbi Keren formally, Rabbi Katz stated that this was the first time in 34 years that he had officiated at the induction of a new full-time rabbi in the synagogue. He said that he looked forward to hearing new insights into ancient prayers which would benefit the congregation.
Rabbi Keren spoke movingly, noting that his mother always dreamed that he would, one day, become someone who could study God’s words, and teach them to others. However, it was not until he met his wife, Clare, that he realised that he wished to apply to join the rabbinate. At his interview, when asked “Who is your Jewish hero,” Rabbi Keren replied, “Jacob.” He chose him, not because Jacob was perfect, but because he was less than perfect. Equally, he said, “God might be perfect, yet I - we, humans are less than perfect and only by accepting this can we be truly engaged in an attempt to improve ourselves.” Rabbi Keren saw Jacob’s struggle with God as part of his own continuous inner struggle, and as part of his definition as a Jew, and as a human being. He said that sometimes he agreed with God, but on occasions disagreed, that sometimes he felt God’s presence near him, but sometimes had the feeling that God was hidden away from him, far beyond his reach.
Rabbi Keren said that he wants to encourage people to have confidence in exploring Jewish knowledge and wisdom; he would like to combine the strong tradition of the community with innovative ideas and hopes to increase the community’s contribution to interfaith activities. He also noted the importance of increasing involvement in youth and young adult activities in order to provide the foundations for the next generation of congregants.
Pictured above (left to right): Rabbis Steven Katz, Yuval Keren, Shoshana Boyd Gelfand and Tony Bayfield.
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