A rabbi credited for bringing “a completely new model and paradigm of religious leadership” to the United Synagogue has been honoured by his community.

Rabbi Shlomo Levin, minister of South Hampstead Synagogue, was awarded an MBE in June “for services to interfaith and the Jewish Community in Camden”.

His nomination was endorsed by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, MP for Holborn and St Pancras, and Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn.

On Shabbat, more than 400 people attended a service to mark the occasion. Synagogue president David Turner said that when Rabbi Levin joined the community nearly 40 years ago, “no one at that time had seen such a totally immersive commitment and involvement .

"What is now the standard US model was modelled and championed by the Levin family.

“[They] brought a completely new model and paradigm of religious leadership to our community.”

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Rabbi Shlomo Levin (Photo: Handout)

Reading out his letter in support of Rabbi Levin’s nomination for an MBE, Turner said that when the rabbi, his wife, Rebbetzin Lynndy Levin, and his children had joined the South Hampstead community, it was “at its nadir”.
Since then, the Levin family “has re-energised and built a vibrant community of nearly 2000 members.”

Referring to a time when Rabbi Levin, now 76, had shown “selfless dedication”, Turner recalled him twice walking up 13 flights of stairs to blow the shofar for a terminally ill patient, who was in hospital over Rosh Hashanah.

Recognised for building connections with other faith groups in Camden, Rabbi Levin has embraced the wider community’s involvement on Mitzvah Day, been involved in the Three Faiths Forum and instigated the establishment of free English classes for Ukrainian refugees at the shul.

Turner said that Rabbi Levin’s “total immersion in every aspect of communal life has generated respect from all religions and all walks of life”.

South Hampstead congregant Gillian Keve, who, together with her husband Tom, nominated Rabbi Levin for the MBE, told the JC that Rabbi Levin and his family had “definitely made a difference to the community at large. He really cares about his members and others.”

Rabbi Levin paid tribute to his wife, his son and daughter-in-law, Rabbi Eli Levin and Rebbetzin Lauren Levin, who also lead the South Hampstead community, and his congregants, saying: “My award is shared with all the members of our fantastic community, who have contributed to our growth, innovative programmes and engagement with the wider community. We are partners on the journey.”