Our Team
Rabbi Eli Birnbaum
Eli studied in Talmudic College in Israel for six years before attaining rabbinic ordination from the Jerusalem Kollel, as well as completing a BSc in Criminology & Social Psychology in 2015.
After a number of years working at the Jewish Learning Exchange and Hasmonean High School, Eli moved to Aish UK to focus on growing the burgeoning Young Professionals demographic, serving as the organisation’s Director of Young Professionals for four years before becoming Director of Education.
Eli has also been involved with freelance work for the United Synagogue for twelve years, working with a broad range of communities including: Hampstead Garden Suburb, Chigwell, Barnet, Borehamwood Yavneh, Shenley and Cranbrook.
Eli is also a (long suffering) Spurs fan and an avid reader, citing his favourite book as ‘Legends of Our Time’ by Elie Weisel.
Eli and his wife Naomi, who is a qualified Art Therapist, recently joined the Stanmore & Canons Park rabbinic team in the role of Head of Community Development. They live in Edgware and have four adorable children.
Rabbi Melvyn Bloom
Pastoral Rabbi
Rabbi Melvyn Bloom
Rabbi Melvyn Bloom BA (Hons) MA gives a weekly Shabbat Gemmarah Shiur before Mincha and conducts a Mishna Study Circle on Monday evenings after Maariv.
He also officiates as Rabbi and preacher for the High Holy Days and on a variety of occasions during the year assists with ministerial duties.
He has studied at Yeshivot in England, Switzerland and Israel. He has a masters degree in Hebrew and Aramaic Studies from the University of Liverpool and Semichah (Rabbinical Ordination) from the Chief Rabbinate of Israel.
He has held Rabbinical and educational appointments in England and South Africa.
Rabbi Bloom retired in 2009 from his full time position as teacher and Rav of North West London Jewish Day School after 35 years of service and in recognition was honoured with the title Emeritus Rabbi of the School.
Chazan Jonny Turgel
Chazan
Chazan Jonny Turgel
Jonny was born into a family where his love for music and tefillah was encouraged from an early age.
After learning at Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh inJerusalem, Jonny studied Hebrew and Jewish Studies at University College,London where he recently graduated with a first class honours degree.
Jonny is a regular soloist with the Shabbaton Choir and his expressive and melodious singing has featured in many concerts both in England and abroad.
In addition to leading the annual Choral Midnight Selichot service together with Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld, Jonny conducts many of Anglo-Jewry’s official commemorative events.
After officiating as part-time Chazan at Mill Hill Synagogue for two years, he became Chazan of Edgware United Synagogue for four years, before being appointed as Chazan at Stanmore Synagogue in January 2011.
You can learn more about Chazan Jonny Turgel at www.jonnyturgel.com
Honorary Officers
David Metzger
David is married to Ilana and has two children, Robbie and Teia (who lives in Tel Aviv). The son of our Life-President, Ronnie, David has been coming to our Shul since 1969, growing up in the area and attending our children, intermediate and youth services.
David has previously served as a Warden and member of the Honorary Executive as well as sitting on the Synagogue Board/Council over many years. Those roles included working closely with the Rabbonim, fundraising for the construction of the Eruv and the refurbishment of the main Shul and Beit Mordechai, as well as creating the first United Synagogue Child Protection Policy.
In his ‘other life’, David was a Partner with law-firm Clifford Chance LLP from 1999-2022, heading the firm’s Construction Group and specialising in major global energy and infrastructure projects. He continues to consult with the firm and also advises younger partners on career development as a performance coach. He has also served as a trustee to WIZO and is the immediate past-chairman of the British Friends of United Hatzalah.
Jacqui Rudolph
Jacqui Rudolph is the co-chair of Stanmore Shul, having previously served as vice chair from 2010-2016. She has a particular interest in adult education, women in the community and engagement of members.
In her other life (is there one?), Jacqui is the Special Needs, Wellbeing and Safeguarding Lead at Menorah High School. She is also a trustee at Yavneh College and is involved in other communal activities including training volunteers on a crisis helpline for Jewish teenagers.
Jacqui has the most supportive husband, Jonathan, and gorgeous sons and daughter in law, as well as a beloved dog, Molly, who offers herself up for pet therapy whenever de-stressing is required.
Adam Burr
Adam grew up in St John’s Wood, where he became Bar Mitzvah and was married. He moved to Stanmore in 2002 with his wife Ilana. They have two daughters – Sophie (21) and Zoe (19).
Adam has been an active volunteer for Jewish organisations for most of his life, including many decades working with CST. Adam has served on the Synagogue Council since 2019.
Adam is an IT consultant working with a variety of UK government departments and agencies.
Sam Rogoff
Sam, a qualified accountant with 55 years experience, is married to Diane and they joined Stanmore & Canons Park Synagogue in 1975 when they were married.
They have one daughter, Sarah, who is married with three boys and Sarah’s family is actively involved in the Bushey community.
Diane and Sam have been members of the Parents’ Association, as well serving on the Teenage and Education committees previously for the Shul.
Sam obtained his M.Sc. in Financial Management in 1973 and he has been in practice throughout his career. He has been semi-retired for the past two years.
Danny Isman
Danny has been an active member of Stanmore shul for more than 20 years.
He is married to Sara and has four children, all of whom have played a role within shul life.
Danny was previously a member of the Stanmore Board of Management and has been a Co-Chair of the Stanmore Youth & Education Committee. He has also been a warden in the Freeman Susman Hall services over the Yamim Norayim.
Danny is the Chief Operating Officer of an Animation company.
Peter Kraus
I grew up in Dollis Hill, where I had my Barmitzvah. I have regularly attended Stanmore synagogue since 1971, when my parents, Lotte and Walter Kraus, moved there.
In 1982, I married Stephanie in Stanmore synagogue. I have four beautiful daughters, Daniela, Emily, Rachel, and Natasha, as well as three grandsons, four granddaughters, and two sons-in-law.
I qualified as a doctor in 1979 and worked as a GP between 1985 and 2015. I fully retired in 2020.
This is my second term as a Warden. My previous term was between 2015 and 2021.
Office Team
Shelley
Shelley is our Community & Operations Manager and has been in this role since 2016. She joined the SACPS administration team in 2010. Shelley is responsible for all matters relating to the day-to-day functioning and maintenance of the building, as well as overseeing the office and caretaking staff.
Ari and Chani
Ari and Chani, along with their son Ezra, are proud to serve as SACPS youth Directors. They are committed to creating an enriching and supportive environment for the children in their community.
Ari is an English teacher at an ultra-orthodox school and also serves as a Bar Mitzvah teacher and Chazan. His dedication to education and spiritual mentorship is evident in the positive impact he has on his students. Ari is a lifelong Manchester United fan and enjoys playing football in real life and online (FIFA).
Chani studied Psychology at King’s College London and has worked extensively in mental health settings, including psychiatric hospitals. Her background enables her to foster a deeper connection with youth, offering both guidance and emotional support. Chani is passionate about fostering a fun and nurturing environment. She has a keen interest in reading and is mildly addicted to Rummikub.
Justine
Justine has been working with us since November 2017. Originally working for some years in the Community Division at the United Synagogue Head Office, Justine officially joined SACPS in September 2018. Justine manages membership and finance at our shul. Please do call or email if you have any questions regarding your membership, your FES (burial cover), payment options or if you are experiencing financial hardship.
Synagogue Council 2025-26
