750 years after the expulsion of Jews from Guildford, the Surrey town has inducted its first rabbi in centuries.

Guildford, although not known as a center of British Jewish life, has a rich history, with a community existing in the 1100s, building what was once believed to be Britain’s oldest synagogue which was only rediscovered after an archaeological excavation in 1996.

Archaeologist John Boas works on a medieval synagogue he found forgotten and buried for more than 700 years under a store in Guildford (Getty Images)

The town’s community, which had lain dormant for centuries, was revived during World War II, with a small community of Jewish refugees from Europe settling in the area.

The Jewish community in Guildford and District, in recent decades, has been a small affair, operating from a small building on York Road in the town.

But under the leadership of the town’s new rabbi, Alex Goldberg, the community is making a comeback.

Yesterday, more than a hundred people gathered at the newly renovated and dedicated Guildford Synagogue to watch Goldberg’s induction ceremony by Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis.

Ephraim Mirvis speaking to the community

The ceremony, attended by Guildford town officials, religious leaders and Jews from the town and surrounding areas, presented the community’s Torah scrolls and the new Ark of the Covenant.

In front of several religious leaders, including the Bishop of Guildford, Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis praised the “wonderful gathering”, “filled with happiness, joy and a sense of celebration”.

“I am aware that we cannot take our joy for granted,” remarked the Chief Rabbi, “as we are now celebrating the 750th anniversary of the expulsion of the Jews from Guildford, which took place on the 16th January 1275.

“How wonderful for us, 750 years later, to return to a vibrant, thriving Jewish community growing thanks to your wonderful rabbi. »

Chief Rabbi Mirvis welcomed Rabbi Goldberg’s “bringing together” of three distinct “alliances” to form the Guildford Jewish community; the community centered around the synagogue, the Yisroel Ba’Astolat online community, which began during the Covid pandemic and continues to exist, alongside Jewish students attending the University of Surrey and professors.

Together they form, he says, “a thriving and successful Jewish presence here in (Guildford).”

“How wonderful for you, Rabbi Goldberg,” Chief Rabbi Mirvis later added, “to be brought back to the synagogue where you grew up, the synagogue in which you celebrated your Bar Mitzvah, to be the first leader of the Guildford community since Rev S Clayman since 1945 and first rabbi since the expulsion.

Lee-Elle Horowitz, President of the University of Surrey Jsoc

Synagogue president Beatrice Gould, 93, said she was “so moved and honored” to welcome the participants. She shared that when she arrived in Guildford in 1971, there was “no community, there was no place for us to meet”, adding: “I would never have dreamed that in a million years we would have our own synagogue and our own rabbi. »

In his speech, Rabbi Goldberg said the community was “steeped” in history, with this moment marking a “profound rebirth of this community.”

He said: “This synagogue, a testament to resilience and renewal, has been brought back to life through the hands of many dedicated people. »

Returning to the helm of the Orthodox synagogue where he had his Bar Mitzvah was for Rabbi Goldberg a feeling “like I had come home, a kind of spiritual teshuvah.”

Rabbi Goldberg said he hoped to “contribute to a community where wisdom and kindness thrive, where we cultivate understanding and connection rather than division, and learning rather than ignorance.”

Quoting Chief Rabbi Mirvis, who said “true leadership is about empowering others,” Rabbi Goldberg said he is dedicated to helping students discover “their purpose and strength” and “nurturing a generation of leaders compassionate and thoughtful, whether they are Jewish students or Jewish students.” Christian students, or Muslim students, or Buddhists, Bahai, Jane or Jedi, I will be there for them.

Rabbi Alex Goldberg with local dignitaries

Rabbi Goldberg concluded: “As I introduce myself as Rabbi of Guildford, I stand here alongside each of you, committed to the well-being of this community, both within the walls of the synagogue and well beyond, and to share joy, compassion, respect, hope and love in everyone’s life. Please walk with me on this journey. Together, let’s build a community where everyone feels safe, respected and valued and can grow.

Rabbi Goldberg is also Dean of Religious Life and Jewish Chaplain at the University of Surrey and, speaking on behalf of its Jewish students, Jewish Society Student President Lee-Elle Horowitz said that Rabbi Goldberg had been a “valuable support”. part” of their lives.

She said Rabbi Goldberg was the “first friendly face” she met in England after leaving Israel.

“In these particularly difficult times,” she added, “your support has been more important than ever. You have been a constant source of strength and guidance, always there to listen, offer advice, provide comfort. Your unwavering commitment has made our lives in Surrey even better.

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