Student Rabbi Tim Motz (pictured) has joined New Essex Masorti Synagogue (NEMS).
He has already organised a number of special services, talks and activities including holding services at Jewish Care’s Vi and John Rubens House for Mitzvah Day and Chanukah, with plenty more planned in for 2025.
A thank you event was also held for Rabbi Zahavit Shalev, as she left NEMS.
Members came together to honour their outgoing minister, who has been working with the shul for more than 10 years since she was a student rabbi.
An integral and well-respected part of the NEMS community, she was presented with a leaf for the synagogue’s Tree of Life sculpture in honour of her outstanding work. The formalities were followed by a spot of delicious afternoon tea.
NEMS executive chair Yvonne Levy said: “We can’t thank Rabbi Zahavit enough for all she has done for our shul. She is our rabbi and our friend and she will be missed.
“We are also, very pleased to welcome Student Rabbi Tim Motz to our community and have been delighted to have him lead several events already since he has been in post”.
