Chigwell and Hainault United Synagogue recently hosted a farewell concert with 350 people in attendance for Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama Davis, who have now moved to Israel.
The event featured tribute videos from members, friends and colleagues, including Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis.
The synagogue’s Jonny Turgel and former members Robert Sands and Rafi Sandford gave musical tributes, and there were speeches by Sandra Waldman, Dr Olivia Shure, Jonathan Fisher QC and Melvin Gold.
Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Nechama were presented with flowers, a Megillah and a book of psalms each, and will also receive a voucher for a homeware store in Israel. The community contributed to the gifts through a collection pot.
Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue member Maxine Levy said: “It was a magnificent evening, uplifting and emotional. You could feel the love in the air for such a fantastic couple that have been by our side and grown our community over the last 25 years.”
Rabbi Rafi Goodwin and his wife Chaya have become the congregation’s senior rabbinic couple, after being endorsed by an overwhelming majority of synagogue members.
They have been with Chigwell and Hainault for the last six years as community rabbi and rebbetzin.
The shul’s chair Lindsay Shure said: “Rabbi and Rebbetzen Goodwin have endeared themselves to the community, working closely with Rabbi and Rebbetzen Davis. I’m absolutely delighted, for them and for us!
“I, together with Rabbi Davis, the honorary officers and the synagogue council would like to wish them both mazel tov on their appointment and look forward to many fruitful years together in the community.”
