Sukkat Shalom Reform Synagogue

The Induction of our new rabbi - Larry Becker

Proceedings commenced around 2.00 pm on Sunday 2nd November. The synagogue was full with many members attending along with many distinguished guests. Together with the children from the synagogue cheder there were around 100 in the synagogue.

Amongst the guests were a considerable number of rabbis including Rabbi David Hulbert the Inducting rabbi.

The Deputy Mayor of Redbridge Mr Geoffrey Hinds, Chief Inspector Stan Greatrick from the Metropolitan Police, Lee Scott MP our local member of parliament and David Jacobs representing the Movement for Reform Judaism were all in attendance

Our Chair of Council Jocelyn Shepherd welcomed all present to our beautiful synagogue on what was to be a very special occasion.

She went on to say that “When Larry (Rabbi Larry Becker) first came to us as a student Rabbi we were all very impressed with his calm, relaxed approach. We were most especially impressed by his insistence that he did not make sermons but only entered into discussions with the congregation”. She considered this to be “a very clever ploy....”

She went on to say that “One might say that I head hunted Larry in a fairly casual way. I felt sure he would be the right choice for our congregation so over the last couple of years every time I ran into him I asked him what his plans were when he qualified. I waited until he was nearing the end of his studies and I asked him if he would be interested in joining us at Sukkat Shalom and here we are today”.

Earlier this year when I attended Larry’s Ordination (as a rabbi) I was very moved by his address. He said he wanted to be a light in his community and he certainly has started to shine quite brightly

You would never guess that he has only been here since July. Not only has he has become very popular with the cheder children but members are now phoning me up to find out which services he is taking so they can attend.....a good sign.

Today It is also a great pleasure to have Rabbi David Hulbert here as our inducting Rabbi. I could not think of a better candidate for this role. Not only as Rabbi Larry Becker’s mentor but also as our former Rabbi.

Now as everyone at Sukkat Shalom knows this is my least favourite job it terrifies me being up here and I have worried about doing this Address all week so I will finish with what I like best about our new Rabbi he calls me “Mam” and makes me feel a lot more important than I really am .

Thank you Larry for joining us”

Our Senior Warden Melvin Pedro them proceeded with the Mincha Service during which Rabbi Larry Becker was Inducted as our new Rabbi. Rabbi Larry made a short speech and the Service ended with the children of the cheder singing a lovely song in Hebrew called " Od yavo shalom aleinu".

The afternoon was concluded with Tea.