Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis was speaking at the induction of Rabbi Eli and Rebbetzin Lauren Levin at South Hampstead Synagogue
March 5, 2025 16:17
The Chief Rabbi has revealed that he has a “ratings” system for synagogues, which is dependent on how comfortable the women in the community feel in them.
Addressing the congregation at the induction ceremony for Rabbi Eli Levin and Rebbetzin Lauren Levin at South Hampstead Synagogue, Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis said: “Being Chief Rabbi, I have the privilege and the enormous joy of visiting numerous, numerous shuls right around the country, and I have a personal system of ratings of shuls.
“For me, the most important element of a great shul is how comfortable the women feel sitting within it.”
He added that when communities belonging or affiliated to the United Synagogue were planning a new building, he would send their leaders to South Hampstead Synagogue, where the men and women’s sections are side by side, on the same level. They are separated by a mechitzah with a wooden base and a Perspex upper section, which can be lowered during sermons.
Girls are encouraged to give a D’Var Torah in front of the whole congregation during the Shabbat servicem and women and older girls frequently give a sermon on Friday night.
The synagogue holds a women’s Megillah reading, a Simchat Torah women’s Hallel service and there are regular learning opportunities for them.
He told the congregation: “You know what inclusion really means.”
Since Rabbi Mirvis took up the position of Chief Rabbi in September 2013, he has introduced a number of measures to ensure that women are given a more prominent voice in the United Synagogue and have greater access to Torah learning.
In 2016, he launched the Ma’ayan programme to increase opportunities for women to take on religious roles, and in January 2018, he launched Neshama to elevate women’s learning.
He also created the role women’s officer role in United Synagogues.
In 2021, the Office of the Chief Rabbi confirmed that women would be able to stand for the presidency of the United Synagogue, a position currently held by Michael Goldstein until later this year, when he will step down after serving two terms.
In 2023, Jo Grose was appointed the first female CEO of the United Synagogue in the organisation’s 150-year history.
Rabbi Mirvis has also shown a strong interest in women’s welfare, actively supporting the work of Jewish Women’s Aid, which provides services for women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.