Meet Rabbi Dovi and Rebbetzen Mimi Lebrett at Shenley United Jewish Community
In a quaint village tucked away in leafy green Hertfordshire, just minutes from Borehamwood and Radlett, sits the Shenley United Jewish Community.
“Shenley is a community that quietly surprises people. It feels rural yet connected, small yet growing and active,” says Rabbi Dovi Lebrett, who joined the community two years ago with his wife Mimi and their young family.
Rabbi Dovi grew up in Hendon and received a traditional Jewish education. For many years he intended to study medicine. While studying in Israel, he reconsidered how he wanted to contribute and began to think about communal leadership. As well as receiving a degree in Maths and Economics, he pursued Semikhah (rabbinic ordination) in Israel and returned to the UK to take up his first senior rabbinic position.
“The community in Shenley is unique,” Rabbi Lebrett explains. “Our synagogue sits inside Shenley Park, surrounded by fields and apple orchards. A short walk from the entrance brings you into open countryside. It is rare to find a United Synagogue community quite like this.
“The village hosts an annual Apple Day, where residents gather to pick and press apples to make juice. Many synagogue members take part, there is a strong sense of connection within the village.
“Despite our rural setting, Shenley is just a few minutes to Borehamwood, Radlett and Edgware, which means our community has easy access to Jewish shops and schools. There are several Jewish primary schools in the local area, and Yavneh provides a primary and secondary option. We have amazing green spaces, countyside trails and housing that is often more affordable than neighbouring Jewish centres. This combination, and the areas peacefulness and village charm, attracts both young families and retirees.
“Our community size allows Mimi and me to maintain personal relationships with members. We share in births, Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, and also support families at times of loss. Every member truly matters. The community includes young families, teenagers growing up locally and retirees who have moved here later in life.”
For a community of its size, Shenley runs a wide range of programmes. A recent Young Family Friday night dinner brought together more than 60 people. The annual quiz night attracted close to 200 participants. Activities include guest speakers, philosophy & history talks, a Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme, bingo evenings, weekly RummiClub and regular women’s learning sessions on Shabbat mornings where members themselves share Torah insights and thoughts.
Behind the scenes is a dedicated team of volunteers, a committed synagogue council and an active women’s guild. Rebbetzen Mimi, currently on maternity leave following the birth of their third child, is closely involved in community life. Together, Rabbi Dovi and Rebbetzen Mimi host families and support members. It is very much a team effort.
When asked what stands out most, Rabbi Lebrett doesn’t hesitate:
“Everyone here is grounded, kind and generous; rural folk! Members genuinely care about the community and want to give what they can.” This spirit, he says, makes all the difference.
For the Lebrett family, Shenley is not only a pulpit. It is where they are raising their own young family, surrounded by parkland, countryside and a wonderful close-knit community.