“Edgware is a place where people are greeted with kindness, happiness and respect”, Rabbi Son says, “from the leadership team at the Shul, through to every volunteer and staff member and the whole community – there is a shared understanding.”
This culture of warmth has shaped his own approach. The sense that a synagogue should be a place where people feel at home, connected to their values and uplifted by their surroundings. “I strongly believe this is something that flows directly from the example of Rabbi David Lister, Senior Rabbi at Edgware”, he shares.
Rabbi Son was born in Bournemouth, moving to Edgware at the age of 10. He attended Yavneh College before studying in Israel at Yeshivat Hakotel, which deepened his learning and connection to Jewish life. On returning to London, he went on to study History at University College London.
During his time at University, Rabbi Son and his then fiancé Zaza, an occupational therapist, became Youth Directors at Edgware United, a role they loved. The couple ran engaging programmes and created truly memorable events that strengthened relationships and left a lasting impact.
In September 2020, Rabbi Son was promoted to the role of Community Development Manager, where he ran a wide range of activities for all ages and demographics within the community. From family scavenger hunts for the youngest members to thoughtful shiurim on Pirkei Avot and Hilchot Shabbat, he focused on ensuring that everyone could find meaningful ways to connect.
At around the same time, Rabbi Son found himself naturally stepping into greater responsibility within the rabbinic team. When roles shifted, his responsibilities expanded, eventually leading to his appointment as Community Rabbi in May 2025. While much of the work built on what he was already doing, the role brought with it a greater pastoral focus, supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges, celebrations and transitions.
He describes his path as something that developed gradually, shaped by learning, lived experience and, significantly, mentorship. Whilst working at Edgware United, he trained for Semicha on the Montefiore Semicha Programme, which he recently completed.
Rabbi Son describes Rabbi Lister’s influence on him and the Edgware United community as exceptional: “Rabbi Lister has been a mentor in the truest sense. He is generous with his time, guidance and trust; he has taught me countless lessons not only in leadership and halacha but in how to care for people with sensitivity and warmth.”
“Rabbi Lister’s impact on the community is immediately felt by anyone who walks through the doors of the Shul. His warm smile has become something of a hallmark of Edgware, a simple but powerful expression that puts people at ease and makes them feel welcome. That warmth sets the tone for the entire community.”
When describing the community, Rabbi Son speaks with real affection. He describes Edgware as “vibrant, joyful and full of life with a breadth of community making it especially unique, spanning all ages, backgrounds and levels of observance, whilst remaining warm, welcoming and harmonious.” That spirit of unity, he believes, is no accident, but the result of leadership that places kindness and connection at its heart.