Manchester Reform Synagogue have appointed Rabbi Scott Aaron.
Rabbi Scott joins the synagogue from Chicago, USA, where he held a number of senior communal roles including as Associate Vice President (Community Outreach and Engagement) of the Jewish United Fund and a Professional Mentor and Adjunct Faculty at the Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership.
At the Jewish United Fund, he led sustainability investments in congregational education, early childhood education, Israel education, and educational research and evaluation
He will be joined in Manchester by his wife Rabbi Donni Aaron.
Rabbi Scott said: “Donni and I are very excited about this adventure. Even though we are moving far away, we are coming to a great city and joining a fantastic community.
“We are also looking forward to working with our clergy colleagues across the United Kingdom and Ireland to increase the visibility and voice of Progressive Judaism.”
Manchester Reform Synagogue have been without a full-time rabbi or a permanent home for the last three years after Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen’s departure to pursue a doctorate and the sale of the former Jackson’s Row synagogue. The community has been ably supported by Rabbis Warren Elf and Rabbi Lisa Barrett.
Synagogue Chair Harold Weinstock said: “We have waited patiently to welcome Rabbi Scott, along with Rabbi Donni, and see this as an amazing opportunity to reach out, rebuild our community and breathe life into our future.”
On his first day in the role, Rabbi Scott attended the regular meeting between the three Manchester Progressive communities – Manchester Reform Synagogue, Menorah and Sha’arei Shalom – and the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester (pictured below).
Bernie Yaffe (JRC), Laura Cohen (Menorah), Harold Weinstock and Rabbi Scott Aaron (Manchester Reform), Cathy Knowles (Menorah), Marissa Goldstone (Sha’arei Shalom), Mark Adlestone (JRC) and Rabbi Warren Elf (Manchester Reform)