By Frank Godson
MEMBERS of Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue (SSRS) along with guests, including Reform Judaism co-chair Michael Harris, marked the arrival of Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock and the retirement of Rabbi Larry Becker.
Although Rabbi Tali has been with the synagogue for a year, this was the first opportunity to carry out an induction service.
A Torah ceremony and Service of Inauguration were conducted by Rabbi David Hulbert, Rabbi Emeritus of East London & Essex Liberal Synagogue (ELELS) and previous rabbi at SSRS prior to Rabbi Larry taking up the post some 10 years ago.
Others involved in the services included SSRS chair Rachel Savage, senior warden Melvin Pedro and, of course, Rabbis Larry and Tali.
Rabbi Larry, now Emeritus Rabbi of SSRS, spoke of how the synagogue “was and is still part of the family”. He also offered some wise words to Rabbi Tali whom he had encourage to come to SSRS.
Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris, the principal of Leo Baeck College, then gave a speech describing Rabbi Tali in the most complimentary of terms. She said that she was full of admiration of how she had progressed as a student rabbi, taking Semicha and now, not only becoming the Rabbi at SSRS but also joining the teaching staff at the College.
The day also saw Rabbi Tali launch a new project for the synagogue called the ‘Book of Wisdom’ – inviting all present to write their thoughts into it after the service.
Since the founding of SRRS more than 40 years ago, it has been served by five part time rabbis and four student rabbis.
Rabbi Dr Tali Artman-Partock and Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris
