The United Synagogue is thrilled to announce that Rabbi Matt Marks will assume the role of Executive Head of Tribe, starting on September 1st.
Rabbi Matt brings a strong track record in Jewish education, youth engagement and community leadership. He has previously worked closely with United Synagogue communities across London and beyond, as well as leading Israel and Poland trips for a variety of Jewish schools and supporting young people at key moments in their personal and Jewish journeys. He previously served as Youth Director at Muswell Hill Synagogue and most recently as Head of Community Engagement at BNJC in Brighton & Hove, where he remains part of the wider BNJC family.
A passionate educator and lifelong learner, Rabbi Matt studied at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh, spent two years learning at the Shaarei Orah Kollel while at university and returned to Israel to spend 4 years with the kollel at Yeshivat Har Etzion, and received semicha through the World Mizrachi Musmachim Programme. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of London, an MA in Jewish Education from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and is currently completing a PhD at the University of Sussex on the philosophical legacy of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks.
Rabbi Matt said: “I feel incredibly privileged to step into this role. Tribe has played a meaningful part in the lives of so many young people and this moment offers a rare opportunity to think afresh. After several years of challenge and change, both locally and globally, it feels especially important to listen carefully, reimagine boldly and build something that speaks directly to the needs and hopes of our young people and communities.”
Barnaby Nemko, Director of Community Life at the United Synagogue, said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Rabbi Matt Marks to lead Tribe. Rabbi Matt brings with him a wealth of leadership, teaching and management experience. His fresh and dynamic approach will inspire the central Tribe team and take our local youth provision to new heights. We cannot wait to welcome Rabbi Matt to Tribe and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will bring to our community and the work of Tribe!”