St John’s Wood Synagogue is delighted to announce today that Rabbi Mendel and Rebbetzen Chai Cohen have been appointed as the next Senior Rabbinic couple of St John’s Wood and Saatchi Synagogue.
The couple were elected after members voted overwhelmingly in favour this week following a thorough recruitment search over the last six months.
The Cohens know the community well, having been part of the Rabbinic team since 2018, after eight successful years as the Rabbi and Rebbetzen of The Saatchi Synagogue, located on the St John’s Wood Synagogue site. Together they grew Saatchi from a small, emerging minyan into a thriving community then played a key role in the merger with St John’s Wood Synagogue.
The couple founded the Mimi Dwek Hebrew School, which is now the largest in Central London, expanded the synagogue’s nursery to its highest enrolment, and developed programmes that brought together long-standing members, new families, and those reconnecting with synagogue life. They have built a warm and inclusive kehilla centred on meaningful prayer, education, pastoral care, lifecycle support, hospitality and strong relationships.
Rabbi Mendel grew up in Leeds and received his Rabbinic ordination from the Machon Smicha Lerabanut and in 2023 completed a Dayanut course with Montefiore & Eretz Chemdah. He also has a Master’s degree in Jewish Education at LSJS.
Rebbetzen Chai grew up in Seattle and is an active member of the St John’s Wood Rabbinic team, leading women’s classes and the community’s work supporting young families. Rebbetzen Chai is also the Director of the St John’s Wood Kindergarten, the Mimi Dwek Hebrew School and runs the St John’s Wood Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme among many other activities. Rebbetzen Chai is currently studying to become a Yo’etzet Halacha with Montefiore-Nishmat.
The Cohens are blessed with seven children.
The couple will take up their new roles in March, following the retirement of Dayan Ivan and Rebbetzen Rachie Binstock who have served the St John’s Wood community for 30 years.
Michael Abraham, Chair of St John’s Wood Synagogue, said: “I am delighted with this appointment, which represents both continuity and renewal for St John’s Wood Synagogue. Rabbi and Rebbetzen Cohen are exceptional leaders with a proven ability to build community and to inspire and connect across generations. Their values and experience align perfectly with our mission and future direction.”
Rabbi Mendel Cohen said: “Baruch Hashem, as St John’s Wood Synagogue celebrates its 150th year, it is an honour and a privilege to be entrusted with leading Central London’s most vibrant Jewish community. We are deeply grateful to the Saatchi community for believing in us sixteen years ago, and thankful to the members of St John’s Wood for placing their trust in us as we look to the future together – building on a proud legacy with warmth, responsibility, and shared purpose. We also pay tribute to Dayan and Rebbetzen Rachie Binstock, whose dignified leadership and guidance have meant so much to us over the years.”
The outgoing Senior Rabbinic couple, Dayan Ivan and Rebbetzen Rachie Binstock, said: “We are delighted for Rabbi Mendel and Rebbetzen Chai Cohen on their appointment. They have already given many years of devoted service to the St John’s Wood community, and we have every confidence that they will bring energy, innovation, and dedication to this important and challenging role.
“ימים על ימי מלך תוסיף, שנותיו כמו דור ודור” – may they be blessed with strength, wisdom, and many good years of inspired leadership. Wishing them both much beracha ve-hatzlacha as they lead the community forward.”
