Barnet United Synagogue is delighted to announce the appointment of Rabbi Moshe Chaim and Rebbetzen Miri Lister as their new rabbinic couple. Rabbi Lister and Rebbetzen Miri, along with their children Chava (5), Yonah (3), and Abe (3 months), officially started at Barnet in mid-January 2025.
Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lister was born in Jerusalem, Israel, and attended Menorah Primary School and then Hasmonean High School. On leaving school he moved to Jerusalem to study in Yeshivas Bais Yisroel and the Mir Yeshiva, before attaining semicha at the Jerusalem Kollel under the auspices of Rabbi Yitzchok Berkovits. He is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Jewish Education. Rabbi Lister is a keen runner and footballer and plays the clarinet.
Rebbetzen Miri Lister was born in Melbourne, Australia, before moving to London at 14 years old. She attended Menorah High School and then went on to Gateshead New Seminary where she studied photography and hairdressing alongside her religious studies. Rebbetzen Miri is an experienced Early Years teacher and is currently studying for a Psychology and Counselling degree.
Prior to taking up post at Barnet United Synagogue, the Listers were the Assistant Rabbinic Couple at Bushey United Synagogue for three years.
Rabbi Lister said: “We have been blown away by the reception and welcome we have received from this incredible community. Whether it was the flood of cards, gifts, and welcome messages we received upon our arrival, or the in-person warmth we received when meeting the community in shul, Barnet has truly lived up to its tremendous reputation. The energy and can-do attitude is infectious, and we know great things lie ahead for this community.
We see it as our mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of religious background or age, has a place in Barnet shul. Whether it is engaging in social programmes, services, volunteering, or a range of educational programmes we want Barnet to have reasons that means absolutely everyone can call it home.”
Tony Cohen, Chair of Barnet United Synagogue, said: “The Listers joined Barnet shul in mid-January. In that short time, they have brought a great energy to our community. Many new ideas have been put into practice within the first few weeks which has resulted in our services being attended by significantly more members. We feel with the Listers at Barnet, our community will grow from strength to strength and we are all looking forward to seeing how things develop in the future.”
