I joined Sha’arei Tsedek as Principal Rabbi in January 2018. I was ordained at Leo Baeck College in 2004 and am passionate about learning as well as teaching. I love bringing joy and meaning to our community’s experience of prayer and learning, from our younger members to the B’nei Mitzvah programme, and supporting adult learners who want to take an active role in synagogue life. I also teach the next generation of rabbis at Leo Baeck College and have published articles on Reform Jewish practice, including Loving Your Neighbour as Yourself in Who Is My Neighbour (SPCK, 2018). My seminal article on the distinctiveness of Reform Halachah can be read here. I live with my partner, Rebekka Wedell, a composer and music director, and our two daughters.

Rabbi Shulamit Ambalu
E: Shulamit.ambalu@shaarei-tsedek.org.uk
DD: 0203 115 1604

I grew up in Hendon, North London, and became Bar Mitzvah at Hendon United Synagogue. As a teenager, I was involved in the youth club at West London Reform Synagogue, where I was mentored by Rabbi Hugo Gryn and discovered a Reform Judaism that allowed me to live fully as a Jew in society. I studied Geography and Economics at LSE before training at Leo Baeck College and was ordained in 1971. I served as Rabbi at several communities and taught Biblical Hebrew and Modern Jewish History at Leo Baeck College. I retired in 2015 and am now Emeritus Rabbi at Sha’arei Tsedek, where I continue to enjoy a strong connection with the community, leading occasional services.

I’ve been conducting the Sha’arei Tsedek Choir for over 20 years and occasionally sing in a cantorial capacity, co-leading services alongside our Rabbi. Music has been a central part of my life, from studying violin and saxophone to training in singing at the Guildhall School of Music. I’ve performed in opera and musical theatre, taught singing, and enjoy performing as a soloist. I’ve also organised many fundraising concerts at the synagogue, which has been a joy. Music is all about connection for me — with students, audiences, and the community — and I feel very fortunate to share it at Sha’arei Tsedek.

I’ve been part of Alonim Pre-School Nursery for seven years and am an experienced Early Years Practitioner. I’m passionate about teaching and developing my skills, both professionally and personally. My family has been part of Sha’arei Tsedek since 2009 and are very involved in community life. Before joining Alonim, I worked for Thomas Cook Holidays and then Whitbread, recruiting staff and managers. Being part of Alonim and the wider synagogue community is incredibly rewarding.

I’ve been a member of Sha’arei Tsedek for over 35 years and am married with two daughters. I’ve taught in our Religion School and B’nei Mitzvah classes since 1989 and currently teach one of our conversion classes. I’ve also led occasional Shul services. I’m passionate about Jewish education and helping young people connect with their heritage in a modern, progressive context. Completing an MA in Jewish Education through Leo Baeck College has deepened my teaching practice, and I love seeing students grow through the B’nei Mitzvah class and beyond.

I work part-time as Marketing and Communications lead at Sha’arei Tsedek, producing our newsletter, creating publicity materials, updating the website, and managing social media. I also work in marketing for Implement UK and support a commercial photographer. I’ve spent much of my career in the third sector, including leading Press & PR at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and managing a charity supporting homeless people. I enjoy the variety in my work and love approaching challenges strategically and creatively. I live in Hertfordshire with my husband Ashley, and we have two adult daughters.

I’m the Synagogue Manager at Sha’arei Tsedek, having joined the team in October 2024. Community life has always been central to my work, and I’m passionate about creating an environment that is welcoming, organised, and vibrant. I previously worked in synagogue administration and marketing in other communities and love the variety of challenges that come with my role. Outside of work, I’m a big football fan, love Elvis Presley, enjoy trips to the cinema, and baking novelty cakes and cupcakes for family and friends.

I’m the Office Administrator at Sha’arei Tsedek, and I love supporting young people and families within the community. I studied at Ohr Somayach Yeshivah for three years and continue to work privately with families, helping young people prepare for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Earlier in my career, I worked as a Kashrut Director and Event Planner, gaining experience in organising events and managing operations. I’m First Aid qualified, a Youth Mental Health First Aider, and hold Level 3 safeguarding training, as well as counselling and life coaching training. I live locally in Elstree & Borehamwood, am a Chelsea supporter, enjoy musical theatre and the gym, and am proud to be an active member of the Jewish community.