Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue (BHPS) was full with congregants and dignitaries, as the community celebrated the induction of Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber.

Local MPs, Liberal Judaism leaders and representatives from groups and organisations in the Jewish and wider community joined together with Gabriel’s family and friends for the moving ceremony, which was also the BHPS Open House Shabbat for Liberal Judaism’s 120th year.

Liberal Judaism Chair Ruth Seager, herself a former pupil at the BHPS religion school, opened the service, which was led by Liberal Judaism CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky, BHPS Emeritus Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah and Liberal Judaism Vice President Rabbi Danny Rich.

In her address to Gabriel, Elli spoke of the importance of leadership. She said that from her experience as a congregational rabbi, there are three essential components involved in building, maintaining and developing community. All three find their origins in the Torah’s account of the building of the mishkan, the tabernacle in the wilderness.

The three components are: leadership; individuals generously offering their gifts; and individuals working together to craft a community that reflects all their contributions. Good leadership involves enabling individuals to contribute their varied gifts and inspiring the confidence, vision and good will needed to work together to build, maintain and develop community.

Elli reminded those present that Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue was founded in 1935 and moved to 6 Lansdowne Road, Hove, 85 years ago in 1937. The building was redeveloped and re-opened in 2015. Elli told how the congregation was now celebrating a new adventure with a new rabbinic leader who is dedicated to implementing the inclusive and egalitarian values of Liberal Judaism and developing the life of the synagogue.

Gabriel – who was ordained by Leo Baeck College last summer – acknowledged the support that he had received from Elli when he was head teacher at the BHPS religion school from 2011-2013. He praised her commitment to challenging exclusion and working to make BHPS an inclusive, friendly, and enthusiastic congregation.

Finally, Gabriel thanked everyone for the warm welcome that he, his wife Manuella and their son Omri had received. He said that it was his privilege to be beginning a new journey with the congregation of BHPS.

Photo (L-R): Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah, Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber, Rabbi Charley Baginsky and Rabbi Danny Rich.