Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg has announced that he is to retire as Senior Rabbi of the New North London Synagogue in Finchley at the end of 2025.
During his 40 years of service to the Masorti synagogue, it has grown to become one of the largest Jewish congregations in the country with over 3,700 members.
A contributor to Radio 4’s Thought for the Day, he has been one of the leading rabbinic advocates of ecological responsibility and will continue as Senior Rabbi of the Masorti movement.
Rabbi Wittenberg, who is 67, said he was “deeply grateful to New North London Synagogue for many years of partnership. The congregation was generous enough to hire me as their youth worker, encourage me to study for the rabbinate, and then to appoint me, and keep me on, as rabbi.
“For all these years, countless members of the community have inspired, encouraged, supported, challenged and motivated me to try to live what I hope has been, and will continue to be, a worthwhile life, following the faith, practices and values of Judaism.”
He also expressed gratitude for a “vibrant” community with “excellent lay, professional and rabbinic leadership. I have every confidence in its future and its ongoing important role in Masorti Judaism and in the life of Anglo-Jewry.”
He looked forward to working in other fields “especially in interfaith and environment, as well as to continuing to care for the community I love as Rabbi Emeritus.”
He joined the community as a youth worker in 1987 and in the same year, after gaining semichah from London’s Leo Baeck College, he became its first full-time rabbi.
Vicky Fox and Bruce Rigal, co-chairs of the community, which will mark its 50th anniversary this December, said, “Rabbi Jonathan has led and cared for us with great kindness, wisdom, and indefatigable energy. His deep love of Judaism, care for others, his integrity and passion for social justice have touched us profoundly.
“He will leave a lasting legacy of a community that prays not only with their hearts but also with their actions. We express our deep appreciation for his leadership and service to the community.”
They added that the community had “strong foundations and will continue to thrive and flourish”. Preparations are under way to begin the process of recruiting a new Senior Rabbi.
Rabbi Wittenberg has authored nine books, his latest being a collection of essays on the weekly Torah portion, Listening for God in Torah and Creation which was published last year. A famed animal-lover, he penned one on Things My Dog Has Taught Me.
A joint president of the Council of Christians and Jews, he received an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List this year.
Rachel Sklan, executive director of Masorti Judaism, said, “Rabbi Jonathan's work over the last 40 years has transformed Masorti Judaism in the UK into a thriving movement. His dedication to and love for Torah and Torah values, to people, social justice and the holy work of community, have carved a new way to be Jewish, based on authenticity, loving honesty, and respect.”
He will “continue his meaningful work guiding the Masorti community as our Senior Rabbi, ensuring we stand firm in the task that stands before us,” she said.
