Induction Ceremony for Rabbi Adam and Rebbetzen Racheli Herszaft

Over 80 members of the Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation together with family, friends and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ, attended the Induction Ceremony for Rabbi Adam Herszaft, officiated by the Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis.

Chairman of the Community, Tim Cole, welcomed everyone to this wonderful occasion celebrating the official appointment of Rabbi Adam and Rebbetzen Racheli as the Community’s Rabbinic couple.

Mincha was led by Rabbi Luis Herszaft (Rabbi Adam’s cousin) and followed by prayers for the Royal Family, the State of Israel and the Congregation.

The Chief Rabbi then addressed Rabbi Herszaft and the Congregation. He praised the amazing achievements of the Herszaft’s in the relatively short time since their arrival in Welwyn Garden City. He described their appointment as “a match made in heaven”.

In response, Rabbi Adam thanked the Chief Rabbi and paid tribute to his wife, Racheli, and their families for the tremendous support and encouragement they received throughout their Rabbinic studies in Israel and on their return to England. Rabbi Adam also thanked the Synagogue’s leadership team and members for welcoming them and their children into the Welwyn Garden City “family”.

Just prior to the conclusion of the Service with Adon Olam, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, CStJ, spoke of his role as the representative of the monarch in the County. He was delighted at being able to attend the ceremony and informed the Congregation that he is the only ever Jewish Lord-Lieutenant. He concluded by wishing the Herszafts a hearty Mazal Tov.

All those gathered were then able to mingle and chat while enjoying tea, coffee and pastries.

Stephen Lopes-Dias – Warden, Welwyn Garden City Hebrew Congregation