Liberal Judaism has appointed a Rabbinic Team at its London head office, after four new Progressive Rabbis were ordained this weekend. Sandra Kviat, Anna Gerrard, Lisa Barrett and Marc Neiger were ordained by Leo Baeck College in a moving service at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue on Sunday July 3.

Sandra and Anna will now be employed full time by Liberal Judaism. Sandra – who holds the honour of being the first ever female Scandinavian rabbi – will mainly advise on the educational content of national and community projects. Anna will work on community development and young adult projects.

The Rabbinic Team will be based at the Montagu Centre, in London. It also includes Rabbi Ariel Friedlander and Cantor Gershon Silins and is headed up by LJ chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich. Ariel is Liberal Judaism’s new university chaplain, where she acts as a focal point and support for Liberal, Reform and egalitarian minded students. Gershon – who served as a cantor in synagogues across North America – is employed part-time by Liberal Judaism and will be developing musical programmes.

The appointments ensure a rabbinic presence at the Montagu Centre from Monday to Thursday in order to respond to a variety of enquiries – such as matters of circumcision, marriage, conversion and death. The creation of the new team is also intended to give every LJ constituent, which wishes it, a rabbinic/clergy contact. The communities that Sandra, Anna, Ariel and Gershon will be working with are set to be announced later this month.

Rabbi Danny Rich said: “This is a landmark moment for Liberal Judaism and will fulfil many of the goals we set ourselves as a movement. “Our London office is inundated with enquiries from constituents on sensitive matters, so it is very important to make sure there is always a rabbi on hand to answer those questions.

“Equally as importantly it means every Liberal community, and especially our emerging ones, will now have full rabbinic support and guidance."

Rabbi Aaron Goldstein, joint chair of Liberal Judaism’s Rabbinic Conference, added: “Sunday’s service was a very moving occasion for everyone involved.

“It was the first time that I, or Rabbi Paul Freedman, had ordained anyone – and that honour will always remain a precious memory.

“I’d like to thank everyone at Leo Baeck College, who have produced another four graduates who will add significantly to our Progressive Jewish communities around the world.”