Rebbetzin Lauren and Rabbi Eli Levin with the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (Photo: Jeremy Coleman)[Missing Credit]
Describing his colleagues and members of the community “like family to us”, Rabbi Eli paid tribute to the congregation he grew up in after Rabbi Shlomo and Lynndy Levin began their tenure in 1984.
“As a toddler, I learnt how to negotiate stairs on the bimah of the old shul. Thanks to everyone back then, who, when I tripped over and cried during leyning, or even maybe during a sermon, didn’t shush me out of the room. That’s the mark of a shul, when they can hear a child crying and keep them in.”
He went on to pay tribute the shul’s congregation, who “encouraged me, embraced me and empowered me to stand on my own feet and contribute to the positive noise of South Hampstead. It is thanks to all of you that a child of this community now humbly becomes its rabbi.”
Both Rabbi Eli and Rebbetzin Lauren highlighted the inspiring role that Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin have played, with Rabbi Eli saying that it had been “a distinct blessing in my life to watch you in action, to see what you say and what you don’t say, and how you approach everything with determination, courage, creativity, love, discipline, wisdom and humour”.
Rebbetzin Lauren said it had been “a blessing and a privilege” to have worked alongside Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Lynndy, while also thanking her own parents, Julian and Margot Lew, “who’ve led by example, always active in community life, encouraging my sister and I to do the same”.
Rabbi Eli Levin and the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis (Photo: Jeremy Coleman)[Missing Credit]
Drawing inspiration from the symbolism of Havdalah, Rabbi Eli said during his sermon that the three-wicked candle represented a community which was “bound together, always there for each other”, but also sharing its light with Israel and the wider Camden community “through interfaith, education and social responsibility”.
While Havdalah served to distinguish the start of the week from Shabbat, he and Rebbetzin Lauren were “launching the Havdalah era of South Hampstead, where we can determine the distinction, and we can make a difference”.
He added: “We are driving the same car of the last 40 years. It’s heading in the same direction with the same principles, with the same fuel or electricity of what makes community, but we are turning the clock back with fresh ideas, with a new approach and with reinvigorated commitment, and we hope and pray that you will travel with us.”
Rebbetzin Lauren herself comes from a distinguished line of United Synagogue rabbis. Her great- grandfather was Rabbi Yosef Israel Lew, who led the Lincoln Street Bow Synagogue, and her grandfather, Rabbi Maurice Lew was minister of West End Great Synagogue, now Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
Alluding to Parasha Terumah, which describes the building of the Mishkan ( the Tabernacle) - “the ultimate community-building project” –Rebbetzin Lauren said it was about “people who are driven by their heart”, adding: “Love, passional and dedication are the heartbeat of this community”.
Rebbetzin Lauren Levin (Photo: Jeremy Coleman)[Missing Credit]
The Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis also addressed the congregation, saying: “Judaism continues to exist when we see parents handing over tradition faithfully to their children, and tonight, we are all here to witness a historic event.”
Paying tribute to Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Lynndy, Rabbi Mirvis described them as “the cornerstone” of the South Hampstead community, saying that for the past 40 years, they had “carried this congregation upon their shoulders”.
He compared the appointment of a new rabbi and rebbetzin to the making of a shidduch and said: “This shul has now hit the jackpot twice in a row. Firstly, enjoying the most extraordinary shidduch with Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbbetzin Lynndy, and now having the makings for another glorious, amazing relationship.”
Synagogue chairman Danny Kay said: “Tonight marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for South Hampstead, a community known for its warmth, inclusivity to modern orthodox Jewish values.
“Rabbi Eli and rebbetzin Lauren truly embody these values. They’re part of the DNA of this community, and we’re delighted to formally welcome them into their new roles. We know they will lead with warmth, sensitivity and vision.”
Rebbetzin Lauren and Rabbi Eli Levin with the Chief Rabbi and chairman of South Hampstead Synagogue, Danny Kay (Photo: Jeremy Coleman)[Missing Credit]
As Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Lynndy take on emeritus roles, Kay said he was grateful for their continued involvement. “Their dedication and leadership have shaped our community in countless ways. We will always be profoundly grateful for their many years of inspiration and guidance.
“As they pass the baton, we’re delighted that they will continue to be part of the community.”
In a joint statement after the ceremony, Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzin Lynndy said: “We felt profoundly moved and privileged in a very unique generational moment, to be able to pass on to our son Eli and daughter-in-law Lauren, the responsibility of succeeding us in becoming the next senior rabbi and rebbetzin of South Hampstead Synagogue. They are now the keepers of the flame, and we are confident that they will continue to illuminate and inspire the community.”
