18 June 2018

Nathan Godleman, who has served South London Liberal Synagogue (SLLS) as its student minister for the last two years, has been appointed as the synagogue’s full-time rabbi following his ordination.

Nathan, a member of Mosaic Liberal Synagogue and a former teacher, began the rabbinic programme at Leo Baeck College in 2012 and has worked across both Liberal and Reform Judaism.

South London Liberal Synagogue, in Streatham, is the third oldest in the Liberal movement and has been served in the past by rabbis including Julia Neuberger and John Rayner.

The congregation was previously led by Rabbi Janet Darley, whose awarding winning work with refugees led to the community starting a project to turn part of the synagogue into a home for a refugee family. Building work is expected to be completed next month.

SLLS chair Alice Alphandary said: ”This is an exciting time to be at SLLS. We have almost finished the renovation of our former caretaker’s flat and hope we will have a refugee family living there by the autumn.

“A good rabbi is the cornerstone of a synagogue, so I am delighted that Nathan has agreed to join us on a full-time basis.”

Nathan added: “I am very happy to be continuing at SLLS. We are a diverse, vibrant and welcoming community, which values tradition and innovation; the ideal combination for me.”

Pictured: Nathan (back row, fourth from right) with Alice (back row, third from right) and the SLLS Council