To be co-chair of this special community is a real honour. I came to Kehillah in May of 2021 after a Jewish ‘mid-life crisis’. Having raised my children very happily in another north London community shul, I felt I was looking for a different Jewish experience at my age and stage of life. Finding Kehillah was a breath of fresh air and this community has re-ignited my Judaism and my love of Jewish learning. I started out life in Highland Park, Illinois (USA) at a Conservative synagogue and moved to the UK after I got married in 1988. In my previous community I taught religion school for many years, was on synagogue council, various committees as well as leading on the winter night shelter. Since joining Kehillah, I have coordinated High Holidays, served on the Management Committee for one year and have created a new cheder curriculum, working closely with our Head Teacher Rachel. Outside of the Jewish sphere, I have had a varied career in social work and teaching as well as being active in politics, both formally and through local activism. Since 7 October, I have focused my activism towards working for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Israel – Palestine. Like some of you in the community, my immediate family live there and this last year has been a particularly difficult one for us.

My commitment to Kehillah is to continue the tradition of being a diverse space that welcomes all Jews of all backgrounds. As we grow, we want to keep the dynamics of a small shul, but be able to provide an even wider range of spiritual, cultural and social experiences for our members and friends. I am excited to work alongside Rabbi Leah and my co-chair Imogen, as well as the rest of the Management Committee, and the wider Kehillah community. It is important to me that members feel they can approach us and that we remain open and welcoming, prepared to tackle any concerns that arise and welcome new ideas. You can reach me at holly@kehillah.org.uk.