Just Seven Centuries Later… a New Rabbi for Guildford

Published on: 7 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 8 Nov, 2024

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis paid special tribute to Rabbi Goldberg. All photos Josh Kaplan

By Martin Giles

After a wait of nearly 750 years Guildford has a new Rabbi. In a landmark ceremony, The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has formally inducted Rabbi Alexander Goldberg as the first Rabbi of Guildford for seven centuries.

Based on an extract from the National Archives website.

Leading the ceremony, the Chief Rabbi paid special tribute to Rabbi Goldberg, commending his dedication to community-building, broadcasting, and his work in interfaith engagement.

At the event on Sunday, November 3, he also honoured key community members: 94-year-old President Beatrice Gould, for her dedication to Holocaust education and her lifelong service to the community; Professor Dr Silke Goldberg, for her unwavering commitment to community development; and Dr Susie Bloom, who led the renovation of Guildford Synagogue, restoring it as a welcoming space for the new congregation.

Rabbi Goldberg expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing the induction as “a profound moment in my journey and for our community”. He highlighted the growth of the congregation, which has expanded from 17 to over 150 members, and reflected on the legacy of figures like the Rabbi of the community in the 1200, Isaac of Southwark, and Rev Clayman, who served Guildford during World War II.

The Guildford Jewish community welcomed a whole array of local dignitaries including the interfaith team from the University of Surrey, the local council leader, and the town’s mayor and MP. The attendees included:

The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux
Sallie Barker MBE, Mayor of Guildford
The Right Reverend Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford
Zoe Franklin, MP for Guildford
Julia McShane, leader of Guildford Borough Council
Professor G Q Max Lu, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey
Chair of Surrey County Council
Pedro Wrobel, chief executive of Guildford Borough Council
Deputy vice chancellor of Aston University
Chaplains from various faiths
Two vice presidents of the Board of Deputies

The Chief Rabbi and Rabbi Goldberg surrounded by Guildford dignitaries. From left, Professor Dr Silke Goldberg (Rabbi Goldberg’s wife), Pedro Wrobel (CEO at GBC), Rabbi Goldberg, the Chief Rabbi, Zöe Franklin MP, Julia McShane (GBC leader) and the Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker.

In his speech, Rabbi Goldberg shared his commitment to building a covenantal community serving three intertwined groups—the Jewish community, the people of Guildford and Surrey, and the University of Surrey.

“Together, we are building a community rooted in kindness, justice, and peace,” he said, honouring figures like Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, who inspired him with the idea of covenant as a partnership in kindness and responsibility.

“My covenant extends beyond synagogue walls, reaching out to all people in Guildford and Surrey. Together, we aim to build bridges across faiths and cultures, fostering unity and mutual respect.”

Ceremony over, attendees of the event socialise.

In a press release, the Jewish community said it is hoped that the newly revitalised Guildford Synagogue, and the dedication of its members, will stand as a beacon of hope and inclusivity. “The event marked not only the induction of Rabbi Goldberg but also a new era for the Guildford Jewish community, now welcoming over 150 members.”

GBC Leader Julia McShane said: “It was an honour to attend the induction of Rabbi Alex. He’s a remarkable faith leader, dedicated to serving the local Jewish community and fostering interfaith relations.

“We want to play our part in making Guildford a welcoming borough, where everyone feels valued. By working with brilliant community leaders like Rabbi Alex and promoting understanding and dialogue between all our communities, we hope everyone can be heard and supported.”