Pinner rabbi gives way to son (From Harrow Times)

Pinner rabbi gives way to son

7:30am Saturday 9th August 2008 in News

A DYNAMIC young Rabbi is hoping to build an "East End" style community when he takes over from his father at a synagogue.

Rabbi Dr Andrew Goldstein, of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue, will pass the mantle on to his son Aaron at a ceremony today.

The 38-year-old father of two said: "I am not here to judge, I am here to guide and act as a facilitator.

"I would like to empower people through adult learning programmes, to enable people to put into practice their Jewish skills."

For his father, the service will mark the end of 38 years spent as rabbi of the synagogue, in Oaklands Gate, Northwood, but Dr Goldstein will not be saying goodbye to the congregation.

He plans to spend six months travelling the world and will then return to take up a position as an honourary Rabbi.

Aaron said: "I am so excited about this, it is a growing congregation with young families, who join us from as far as Hampshire and Milton Keynes. It really is phenomenal.

"In fact, we are such a large congregation that our High Holy Day services are held in the Colosseum, in Watford, because there are too many of us for the synagogue."