When Rabbi Nick and Rebbetzen Shira Kett joined Radlett United Synagogue as the Rabbinic couple, they brought with them a shared passion for community life that’s become the trademark of their leadership.
Their journey began far from Hertfordshire. “I was actually studying law at university,” Rabbi Kett recalls, “but I found myself drawn more and more to community work through the work I did with youth at Whitefield, Manchester. I was enjoying that far more than my degree.” After several years, he decided to head to Israel to train for the rabbinate, where he and Shira met.
The couple spent their first five years in Hale, South Manchester, working with all ages “from cradle to later life,” as Rabbi Kett puts it. That experience led them to Bushey, where they served as Assistant Rabbi and Rebbetzen at Bushey United Synagogue for six years, before taking up their current position in Radlett.
Together, Rabbi Nick and Rebbetzen Shira work together in unison, complementing each other with their warmth and shared vision. “We see everything as shared responsibility,” says Shira. “Our children see that too, not because we push them to be involved, but because they’re part of this life. Sometimes their friendships even bring new families into the community.”
Their four children, now aged 14, 12, 10, and 3, are very much at the heart of the synagogue. “It helps people see we’re just normal,” laughs Shira. “Our home is open, our lives are full, and I think that makes us feel accessible to the community.”
“Many of our members define themselves as traditional ” explains Rabbi Kett, “ I would describe Radlett as a warm and diverse community that values connection. Our Friday night services attract 70 to 100 people some weeks,” he says proudly. “Our vice chair, who’s South African, wanted Radlett to feel like South Africa on a Friday night, full of life, warmth, and song. And it’s really taken off.”
As part of the ‘Herts Inclusive Network’ of Rebbetzens, Shira has been developing ways to make synagogue life accessible for everyone. Shira shared, “Recently, after a parent told me their child with autism might struggle at an event, I realised how important it is to have this awareness. I’ve started compiling a list of families who may need extra support so we can reach out proactively. It’s about making everyone feel seen.”
Shira’s passion for youth engagement has also blossomed through the Bat Mitzvah and Action Project Groups. “Our Year 8 girls’ group meets monthly,” she explains. “This year we are partnering with GIFT , doing everything from supermarket challenges to making teddy bears for children affected by house fires. We will also be visiting care homes to light Chanukah candles and talk to residents. As well as pack food parcels, and even make flower arrangements for therapy rooms at Chai Cancer Care.”
For Shira, it’s about perspective. “Many members of our community have opportunities that not everyone does. We want participants to see that even at 12 or 13, they can make a meaningful difference.”
Radlett’s energies are not solely centred around young families. “We’ve got a wonderful group of members in the early stages of retirement,” says Rabbi Kett. “They’ve created a dynamic programme with speakers to bring people together during the week. It’s all volunteer-led and it’s thriving.”
After the challenges of Covid, this sense of energy and reconnection has been deeply felt. “The community found it hard to bounce back,” Rabbi Kett reflects. “But there’s now a real feeling that things are happening again and we endeavour to give attention to every corner of the community.
Whether it’s through pastoral care, youth engagement, or inclusion, the Ketts are clear that their goal is to make Radlett a place where everyone feels at home. “It’s not just about who comes to shul every week,” says Rabbi Kett. “It’s about finding the right access points for everyone, wherever they are on their journey.”
7 January 2026