7th September 2015

Three new staff members have joined Liberal Judaism’s head office, providing support to 40 communities and 10,000 members around the country.

Alexandra Simonon ( a.simonon@liberaljudaism.org) is Liberal Judaism’s new lifecycle administrator, helping with enquiries on weddings, births, bar/batmitzvah, conversions, funerals and any other lifecycle questions.

Alexandra is a member of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue and a student on LJ’s Ba’alei Tefillah lay leadership programme, from which she will graduate in 2016.

She says: “I’m passionate about Liberal Judaism because it is both open and compassionate on the one hand, and intellectually inquisitive on the other. I’m particularly interested in lifecycle issues, because they can be at the core of people’s spiritual lives. Sometimes they are joyful occasions and sometimes they are difficult and challenging times. It’s an honour to be able to support people and accompany them, even if it’s just by being a friendly and helpful voice on the phone.”

Sophie Gainsley ( montagu@liberaljudaism.org) is the new receptionist at the Montagu Centre, Liberal Judaism’s London headquarters.

Sophie is an illustrator and environmental campaigner, who has worked for a number of charities, museums and art galleries.

Sophie says: “I didn’t meet any other Jewish people, outside of my family, until I was 17. Working for Liberal Judaism has now given me the chance to be surrounded by people who share my cultural roots. I have a lot to learn about our heritage, culture and religion and can’t wait to get more involved.”

Aaron Abraham ( a.abraham@liberaljudaism.org) is Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich’s new executive assistant.

With a background in film & TV production, communications and PR – Aaron has previously worked with the BBC, Channel 4, RDF Media, HBO, Mother and J Walter Thompson. He has also recently been supporting The Liberal Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish Gay and Lesbian Group with their communications.

Aaron said: “I’m really excited about bringing my skills and experience to Liberal Judaism. I’ve been a part of the LJ community for a couple of years now, and have been lucky to have found so much love and friendship here. It’s really exciting for me to be working in Liberal Judaism now, and have the opportunity to give something back.”