6 August 2020

Rabbi Anna Posner was ordained along with three colleagues in a special closed service at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue after graduating from Leo Baeck College (LBC).

Anna is the new Progressive Judaism student chaplain and will also serve Beit Klal Yisrael and one other Liberal community. She was ordained alongside Rabbi Mati Kirschenbaum, Rabbi Deborah Blausten and Rabbi Dr Elliott Karstadt, who are all joining Reform Judaism congregations.

The ordination ceremony is one of the highlights of the Progressive Jewish calendar. It would usually be attended by around 500 guests in person, but this year was broadcast online instead.

The four new rabbis were ordained after completing the five-year postgraduate rabbinic course at LBC, which is celebrated for the depth and intensity of its training.

The ceremony was overseen by the College’s principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris and chair Stephen Herman.

Deborah said: “I am truly proud of the academic standards, leadership and vocational skills our new rabbis have achieved during their time at the College. “Following the ordination, we can all feel reassured that our rabbinic alumni are there to ensure progressive Jewish continuity for the next generation, fulfilling Leo Baeck College’s vision.”

• Picture: (L-R) Rabbi Mati Kirschenbaum, Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, Rabbi Anna Posner, Professor Stephen Herman, Rabbi Deborah Blausten and Rabbi Dr Elliott Karstadt at the ceremony