Rabbi / Rabbinic Couple

About the Community

The United Hebrew Congregation (UHC) is a warm, modern Orthodox congregation with a strong heritage, committed membership and ambitions for future growth. The community is entering an important new phase, including the potential amalgamation of other congregations, creating a unique opportunity for an inspirational rabbinic leader or rabbinic couple to help shape the future direction, culture and energy of the shul.

We are seeking a dynamic, approachable and visionary Rabbi, ideally together with a Rebbetzen, who can unite and inspire a diverse congregation, deepen engagement across all levels of observance and build a vibrant, welcoming and sustainable community for the future.

The Role of the Rabbi

The Rabbi will serve as the spiritual, pastoral and communal leader of the congregation and will play a central role in guiding the community through a period of growth, change and integration. The successful candidate will combine strong Torah knowledge and halachic authority with warmth, charisma, emotional intelligence and outstanding communication skills.

Spiritual and Religious Leadership

• Lead and officiate services throughout the year including Shabbat, Yamim Tovim and festivals
• Deliver engaging, inspiring and intellectually accessible sermons and Divrei Torah
• Provide regular shiurim, educational programmes and adult learning opportunities for a range of backgrounds and levels of knowledge
• Maintain and uphold Orthodox religious standards and practices within the Synagogue
• Provide halachic guidance and pastoral support to congregants
• Officiate at lifecycle events including weddings, funerals, stone settings, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations and other communal occasions
• Visit congregants during periods of illness, bereavement or personal difficulty
• Encourage participation in Jewish life, learning and observance across all age groups

Community Leadership and Vision

• Provide visible, energetic and inspirational leadership during the potential merger and integration of communities
• Help create a unified and welcoming culture across existing and incoming congregants
• Develop and articulate a compelling vision for the future direction and identity of the community
• Build a clear plan to engage and develop engagement with children and younger congregants
• Build initiatives, events, programming and service models that increase attendance, engagement and communal participation
• Foster a sense of belonging among both highly engaged members and those with a more secular or occasional connection to synagogue life
• Actively support the growth and long-term sustainability of the congregation

Communication and Engagement

• Possess exceptional oratory and public speaking skills, with the ability to energise and inspire the congregation
• Engage meaningfully with congregants across all demographics, ages and levels of religious observance
• Build strong personal relationships through approachability, warmth and visibility within the community
• Be sensitive to differing viewpoints, traditions and expectations within a diverse congregation
• Represent the synagogue with dignity and professionalism within the wider Jewish and local community

Wider Community and Interfaith Engagement

• Build constructive relationships with other Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish communities and organisations
• Engage positively with wider faith and civic groups where appropriate
• Represent the synagogue in communal, educational and interfaith settings

Leadership and Management

• Providing leadership and shaping the future of the shul's team as it develops
• Work collaboratively with lay leadership, trustees, wardens and synagogue staff
• Contribute to strategic planning, community development and synagogue operations
• Support youth, family and social programming across the community

Person Specification

The successful candidate will ideally demonstrate:

• Semicha from a recognised modern Orthodox institution
• Ability to lein proficiently
• Proven experience leading an established and/or growing congregation
• Demonstrable success in community building and congregational engagement
• Experience managing change or leading communities through periods of transition
• Outstanding communication and oratory skills
• Warmth, empathy and strong interpersonal skills
• Intellectual depth combined with accessibility and relatability
• Organisational capability and leadership presence
• Ability to engage both highly observant and more secular members of the congregation
• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
• Commitment to Jewish education, community development and pastoral care
• Right to work in the UK
• Full UK driving license

The Role of the Rebbetzen (Preferred)

Where applying as a rabbinic couple, the Rebbetzen will play an important and valued role in the life of the community. The congregation would particularly value someone who is warm, approachable and enthusiastic about building personal connections across the community.

Potential Areas of Involvement

• Hosting regular Shabbat and Yom Tov meals for congregants, new members, young families and visitors
• Building relationships across different demographic groups within the community
• Supporting women's learning, education and engagement opportunities
• Teaching and support of female congregants through milestone events such as Bat Mitzvahs and weddings
• Providing pastoral support and informal guidance where appropriate
• Supporting programmes and events that strengthen community cohesion and participation
• Acting as a welcoming and visible presence within Synagogue life
• Engaging with children, young adults and families
• Working alongside the Rabbi and lay leadership to help foster a vibrant and inclusive communal atmosphere

The precise nature of the Rebbetzen's role would be shaped collaboratively based on individual strengths, interests and availability.