Rabbi Reuben Livingstone, who served the community for eleven years, left us in February 2010. During his tenure, the membership increased by 22%. He facilitated and encouraged the development of many new initiatives, enjoying a wonderful relationship with Chazan Avromi and more recently with Rabbi Knopf – as well as with the office and Shul staff.

Pastoral care was always very close to his heart and he oversaw the progression of the shul’s welfare organisation first into the Helpline and now the Nefesh Network – arguably one of the finest synagogue welfare organisations in London. With the onset of the credit crunch, members can now call on the services of Recession Watch and the JobSchidduch website, both of which the Rabbi has led.

He is particularly proud that many members called on his excellent counselling skills. Over his time here these have been called on hundreds of times – problems have included family relationship issues, illness and conversion. Many members can testify to the wonderful support they received.

As Rabbi, he attended many family occasions, happy and sad. There have been the inevitable bereavements. However, blessed as we are with a young community, there are many celebrations relating to babies, some which are new to the community. He helped popularise the Simchat Bat, and presided over Pidyonei Haben, Baby Blessing ceremonies and an occasional Opsherin (the first cutting of a boy’s hair at the age of three). There have been hundreds of Bnei and Bnot Mitzvah and he has officiated at many weddings, both for members of our community and couples from outside the community who have chosen HGSS as their wedding venue. Sometimes a day can encompass all the above. We often forget that a Rabbi can attend a funeral, a stone setting or a shiva as well as a simcha – all on the same day.

His wife, Esther will always hold a very special place in the affections of the community. She proved herself to be in every sense a rebbetzin – truly caring, hospitable, the first to offer help in difficult times.

She ran a monthly women’s study group for six years, she spoke regularly at our various youth and children’s services on Shabbat morning – and, if she was seen leaving Shul early, it was probably because she was talking to a group that week, or leading the services for ages 9 to 11. She chaired the welcomers’ committee for the past eighteen months and, in that capacity, has revamped some of the arrangements, such as the availability of scarves and pashminas outside the ladies’ entrances. She organised yearly brunches, which have raised funds for various causes in Israel and, a few years ago, she joined the kiddush rota.

Esther has tried to be there for the sick and for the bereaved – calling, visiting, supporting, and often bringing home-made challot. She always endeavoured to make people feel comfortable, and to feel that she is approachable.

As far as their children are concerned, Yedidia is following a study and degree course at yeshiva in Israel. After leaving Hasmonean, Emunah will attend seminary and then UCL to study Neuroscience. Tsofia is studying at Hasmonean.

All the children have been very active in the children’s and youth services, and in the various youth activities. The girls, together with Esther, have helped out at most Shul events, including Seudot – they can be found clearing up the kitchen long after everyone else has left!

They will be living very near us and want to keep in touch with the community.
We wish the Rabbi Livingstone, Esther and the children all the very best for the future.