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Chair of Council
- Andrea LaurenceSynagogue ChairAndrea LaurenceSynagogue Chair
Andrea is a single mum to Nadav, her nine year old son. She grew up with the synagogue, first as a member of SDRS and now as Sha’arei Tsedek. Andrea’s parents were active members of the community and she has fond memories of doing her homework in the kitchen and helping to make teas and coffees during the break when her mum ran the Bridge Club.
After leaving school Andrea as a secretary at a London publishing house. At 18 she went to Israel with Hanoar Hatzioni on a year programme where she taught English to Israeli children and helped house one of the first waves of immigrants from Ethiopia.
Andrea returned from Israel permanently in 2003. Since then she has completed a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics; worked as a part-time personal and business administrator; taught at Religion School and more recently volunteered and then worked as a receptionist at Akiva. Andrea is currently working as a part-time administrator in the Pears Special Resources Provision which is an Autism provision that works alongside the main school at JCoSS.
Honorary Officers
- Brian CarneTreasurerBrian CarneTreasurer
Brian and his wife Marie have been members of the community since 2016. Their daughter Nancy had her naming ceremony at Sha’arei Tsedek in 2017.
Brian was appointed Treasurer in 2021. In his spare time he is co-founder and co-chair at a global financial services group, with Board level responsibility for Finance, Legal, Risk and Compliance.
Life President and Executive Vice-President
- Estelle GilstonLife PresidentEstelle GilstonLife President
Estelle and her husband Keith joined the community in 1978 when the synagogue building was located in Winchmore Hill.
She has been married to Keith for 54 years, and has two children, Andrew and Samantha. Both children have celebrated their Bar and Bat Mitzvot in the community. Estelle has three grand-daughters, Darcey, Zoe and Evie who also all celebrated their Bnei Mitzvot in the community.
Estelle was Chair of Council from 1987-1990 after holding several other posts on the Synagogue Board. During the synagogue’s Golden Jubilee Year (2013) she was awarded the title of Life President of Sha’arei Tsedek, a post which she is very honoured to hold. This is an Honorary position and has no voting rights.
In her role as Life President Estelle represents the synagogue at many external events and meetings. In January 2018 Estelle was elected as President of The Zionist Federation of Great Britain and Ireland. Estelle is the first female President of the ZF.
Leslie and his family have been involved with the synagogue almost since inception, and now his daughter and grandson are members. His father was one of the synagogue’s earliest members and a previous Chairman. During his time on Council, Leslie has held several positions including Treasurer, Joint Chair and Vice Chair. He remains very involved with the Jubilee committee and has helped organise and run the Bridge Club. Leslie is married to Michelle.
Council Members
- Justine KhedooryCouncil Member with responsibility for MembershipJustine KhedooryCouncil Member with responsibility for Membership
Justine has been a member of the community for approximately 26 years. Her boys, Matt & Jordan had their Bar mitzvahs at the synagogue. Justine and husband Sam were married by Rabbi James Baaden in 2013.
Justine joined Council in 2014. In her role as Head of Kesher Committee, she meets regularly with Rabbi Ambalu. She is responsible for ensuring potential new members receive the guidance they require to become members. Justine is also involved with Kiddush rota; Winter Shelter; Dementia Club UK; Lunch & Chat and provides admin support in the office when required.
- Anthony MitchellCouncil MemberAnthony MitchellCouncil Member
Hi I'm Anthony, I've been a member of Sha'arei Tsedek since getting married by Rabbi Eimer to Sarah just over 10 years ago, how time flies! Prior to being made redundant I worked within the Hospitality sector designing bars and product layouts for a large mutli-brand company. Outside of work I am in the process of setting up a business selling unique table and desk lamps made out of car parts, which I design and make in my little workshop at home.
Creativity, working within timeframes and clear communication are key aspects of my professional life that I will bring to this role. I am looking forward to being on Council to try and help achieve its agreed plans and maximise the potential of our communiy.
- Naomi FranksCouncil MemberNaomi FranksCouncil Member
- Andy KelmansonCouncil Member
I have been a member of the Sha'arei Tsedek community since 1977, when my eldest son Ben was six.
I was on Council for many years, and for one rather turbulent year, was Joint Chair. Over the years as we moved into two new building, my late husband Peter did a lot of practical work for the synagogue, and even built the Ark in the Kiddush Hall.
I have three children, Ben, Dan and Jody, all of whom became Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Sha'arei Tsedek. They are now followed by my four grandchildren, the youngest of whom, Josh, becomes Bar Mitzvah this month (December 2023).
After studying Fine Art for five years, I took my first job working with young volunteers in the charity sector in 1968. I have worked non-stop since then and continue to work in the charity sector, in a range of employed roles, as a Chief Executive; and then, for the last 25 years, as an Organisation Development Consultant working exclusively with charities. I specialise in Strategic Review and Planning, Governance and the articulation of ‘Values in Action’ – otherwise known as Operating Principles.
- Darren ShoffrenCouncil Member
I joined Sha'arei Tsedek with my wife and two children in 2010. Both my children have attended Religion School, and my daughter celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 2022.
I am excited to be back on Council and once again be involved in the future of our community and the wider Reform community.
In my professional life I am Head of Sales for HarperCollins publishers.
When I have the time I like to bake bread!
- Pamela SandlerCouncil MemberPamela SandlerCouncil Member
I was brought up in Dalston, East London, to Polish parents. My mother survived the Shoah and made a living testimony.
I went to JFS (Camden) in the late 1960’s. When I left school I worked in the diamond industry in Hatton Garden. Through this work I travelled to Israel and India, I have now retired but still enjoy travel.
My husband Steve and I have three children. All of the children went to Religion School at Sha'arei Tsedek and celebrated their B'nei Mitzvah here. They went to RSY and enjoyed the camps and made lifelong friends. We have six lovely grandchildren.
During my stint as Chair of Council I was involved in the selling of 45, High Street, Southgate and the move to our present home in Whetstone. I am co chair of the Community Hub social group and help with Lunch and Chat.
- Anne FredericksCouncil MemberAnne FredericksCouncil Member
I have been a member of the synagogue for several years. I was on Council and part of the Chesed Group some time ago.
In the 2000's I volunteered in Israel with SAR-EL, a volunteer group that helps support the IDF in a non-military capacity preparing meals, cleaning, post for soldiers, etc.
Professionally, I have worked exclusively in Mental Health Services for Older People and am currently semi-retired from the NHS.
For leisure, I enjoy long distance walking, mindfulness meditation, listening to music, new learning and making soup.
As a member of Council, I am appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to the running of our synagogue, taking an active part in the Minhag Group and to represent the views of the older members of our community.
- Fran HolmesCouncil MemberFran HolmesCouncil Member
Please contact Andrea Laurence, Synagogue Chair if you are interested in attending a Council Meeting or if you would like to consider standing for Council.