8 February 2016

Liberal Judaism has promoted two members of staff, welcomed back a familiar face and added a new person to the team at the Montagu Centre, the movement’s head office in central London.

Following the departure of Yael Shotts, Liberal Judaism took the decision to split her portfolio by promoting recent joiners Alexandra Simonon and Aaron Abraham into new roles.

Alexandra ( a.simonon@liberaljudaism.org), who was previously Liberal Judaism’s lifecycle administrator, has now also taken on Yael’s administration management duties. A member of Northwood & Pinner Liberal Synagogue, Alexandra graduates from the Ba’alei Tefillah lay leadership programme in 2016.

She said: “In my new role as lifecycle and administration manager, I’ll be overseeing the admin team at the Montagu Centre, and managing the administration of Liberal Judaism’s Council and Rabbinic Conference. I will, of course, continue to support our communities, rabbis and members around marriages, circumcisions, Beit Din and funerals, a work that is very important to me and that I am delighted to carry on doing.”

Aaron Abraham ( a.abraham@liberaljudaism.org) has moved from being Danny Rich’s executive assistant to managing Liberal Judaism internal communications, events and Patrons – while also supporting Simon Rothstein and Ben Rich on the PR team. Aaron retains his responsibilities for Liberal Judaism’s Board of National Officers, Resource Bank and Biennial Weekend. He is the first port of call for members with any communications/events queries and announcements.

Aaron said: “Liberal Judaism has a long history of promoting pride in our work and a sense of communal unity. I’m really excited to build upon that history by supporting communication and engagement between our staff, outreach teams and constituent communities – building upon the previous work with our Patrons and producing exciting and appealing events, including this year’s Biennial.”

Daisy Bogod ( d.bogod@liberaljudaism.org) joins the admin team as Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich’s new personal assistant. Daisy – a member of Ealing Liberal Synagogue and a leader in the LJY-Netzer youth movement – will work around 30 hours per week and will be responsible for Danny’s diary and administration.

Daisy said: “I love Liberal Judaism because of it combines religion and spirituality with social justice and a desire to make the world a better place. This is job is already amazing, primarily as I get to be surrounded by people who care about Progressive Judaism and actively live their lives according to these values.”

Tom Rich ( montagu@liberaljudaism.org) has returned to Liberal Judaism as the interim receptionist at the Montagu Centre, while the management team recruit a permanent member of staff to fill the role.

Congratulations to Liberal Judaism officer Ed Herman, wife Rachael and proud big sister Alys – who are celebrating the birth of Dylan David Herman. Ed said: “David and Rachael are both doing really well.”