RABBI HERSHEL RADER

Rabbi Hershel Rader has been the spiritual leader of our congregation since 2009. 

​

Rabbi Rader studied in France, Israel, and the United States before receiving his Rabbinic ordination in 1978. In 1981 he received Yadin Yadin, his advanced ordination. 

​

In 1980, Rabbi Rader married Perla. In 1982, he took up his first post as Direction of Education for the fledgling Solihull community. 

​

During this time, he was Programme Director for the Birmingham Lubavitch Centre, where he was responsible for youth and educational activities. 

​

In 1984, Rabbi Rader was appointed the first Rabbi to the Solihull community, a position which he maintained until the end of 1993. During his tenure, the community grew in number and stature; the Cheder doubled in size and attracted pupils from Birmingham, and as far as Coventry and Evesham. 

​

In 1994, he became Rabbi of Woodside Park and North Finchley United Synagogue in London, home to a community of over 800 families. Amongst his achievements in Woodside Park, Rabbi Rader was responsible for introducing the Learning Is For Everyone (LIFE) adult education programme. He established an Israel Committee, was heavily involved in the building of the Synagogue's new Community Centre, and set up a Welfare Support Network. 

​

Both Rabbi and Perla ran the Bar and Bat Mitzvah programme, and Rabbi Rader was one of the first Rabbis to conduct Bat Mitzvah ceremonies on Shabbat. In honour of the community's 60th anniversary he organised the writing and dedication of a new Sefer Torah. 

​

In 2003, Rabbi Rader was named Ambassador of Goodwill for Israel by Israel government minister Benyamin Alon. In 2005 he led a mission to Israel which presented an ambulance to the Zaka Humanitarian organisation. 

​

Arriving at Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation in 2009, Rabbi and Perla fulfilled a vast complement of ritual, pastoral, and educational responsibilities. Together, they have organised many social and religious events, including festival meals, Shabbatons, communal Sedarim over Pesach, and the popular Annual Summer Barbecue.