Rabbi Adrian Schell is getting to know the Wimbledon Reform congregation within the confines of pandemic guidance, having joined the South London community in November.
The minister, who previously served the Bet David Synagogue in Johannesburg, said that as the area had been in either tiered or lockdown restrictions since his arrival, opportunities to explore the neighbourhood had been limited.
However, “this hasn’t deterred me from meeting a large number of the welcoming congregation at the synagogue via modern technology. I have been so impressed with how vibrant the community is and amazed at all it offers to all age groups, [as well as] a fully engaging lecture programme”.
Rabbi Schell was raised in Frankfurt and enjoyed a successful career as a bookseller before taking up the ministry. Some of the 850-member community enjoyed a sneak preview of his rabbinical style when he conducted an online service last July while he was still in South Africa.
Shul chairman Rob Glasser reported that efforts to ramp up its digital provision have included the installation of “state-of-the-art cameras and streaming equipment which allow us to deliver high quality services accessible to all our members and families”. Services will remain online for Pesach.
Rabbi Schell added that plans were in place to resume in-person activities “when it is safe for us to have the congregation back”. These involved “a concept for hybrid services whereby we embrace our new technology by having both congregants in the synagogue and their homes being able to participate.
“Of course, we would all like to be back in synagogue together again. However, most of our congregation recognise the gravity of the situation. Our members have really appreciated our online offering and realise that it is the next best thing.”