Rabbi Rebecca Qassim Birk joined our community January 2011 with her husband Omar and three children Ruben, Dora and Rafael. As a family they are lead and are involved in so many areas of synagogue life and are committed to the development and strengthening of our community. Rabbi Qassim Birk believes passionately in the care and nurture of all parts of community life.
Making our community a place of welcome and warmth is high on her agenda for us as a synagogue. She comes to us after stints at Westminster and Woodford Liberal synagogues. She was ordained in 2001 from Leo Baeck College after completing her bachelors and masters at Bristol and Harvard universities.
Whilst bringing her enthusiasm to us she continues her involvement with HMP Holloway as Jewish Chaplain and can often be heard on radio 2 early mornings Vanessa Feltz show with her Pause for Thoughts. She is an engaged teacher and enthusiastic community organiser.
She believes strongly in an intergeneration community where all are valued and needs are met. We follow the words of Shimon HaTzaddik from Mishnah Avot:
On three things the world stands On Torah (learning) on Avodah (worship) and on Gemilut Chasadim (kind deeds).