In Conversation With The Jewish Tradition
Sharing thoughts, ideas, and reflections on Judaism, community, and life. ...Read More hereWho am I
I am a Rabbi, a progressive leader deeply passionate about weaving together stories, music, history and texts of the Jewish tradition to create a rich tapestry of spiritual and communal life. With a PhD in Biblical Studies, focused on the textual criticism of the Hebrew Bible, my teachings and religious practice combine the vast richness of the Jewish Tradition and the the insights of the historical-critical method to read texts.
My first career was in teaching. I earned the “Agrégation d’Histoire” in 1991 in France, and I taught in Alsace, Normandie, and Paris. Alongside with that, I’ve been involved in Progressive communities in France since my early 20s, and one day, I decided to make the switch to a new career as an ordained Rabbi. I received my Semichah, Rabbinic Ordination through the Leo Baeck College, situated in North London, in 2014. I’ve been a Rabbi in Lyons, France, in Finchley Progressive, the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, Kingston Liberal Synagogue, and since mid-2024, in Maidenhead.
Latest Post
What is resistance? A Theology for an Age of Overwhelm
A Jewish take on navigating a turbulent landscape. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, who spent much of his short life in the grip of spiritual anguish, taught his disciples that despair is the one condition from which there is almost no return. He therefore insisted, with...
My Mission & Vision
My vision and mission is to help connect people to Judaism
Through personal reflections, stories, and insights, this website aims to connect with the joys and challenges of Progressive Jewish life in the 21st century. Judaism is a living tradition that is experienced within a community, that is shared and discussed in a respectful manner.
These are my principal values about a Jewish community.
It is a place where everyone feels valued, respected, and belongs. Diversity is a positive human dimension and should not be feared.
It is a place of spirituality whatever one’s relationship to the Divine is. It creates opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection, celebrating Jewish tradition in ways that are meaningful for individuals and families, and do not stem from obligation or coercion.
Education is an essential part of Jewish life. A community creates opportunities for children and adults to learn, to refresh or strengthen their knowledge of Judaism, Hebrew, Jewish values, and their sense of belonging.
A community does not live in isolation. Through interfaith relationships, through actions that promote compassion, fairness, equality, and human rights, a Jewish community spares no effort in the value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world.
The Land of Israel is the birthplace and spiritual home of the Jewish People. However, it did not come empty, and we support all actions that promote a fair society for all its inhabitants, a peaceful resolution of the conflict, the only condition to ensure a just and secure future for the State of Israel. Our values align with those of the Israel Movement for Reform and Progressive Judaism.
My Synagogue
Maidenhead Reform Synagogue
Maidenhead Synagogue was founded in 1953 by Jewish families evacuated from London during World War II. Services were initially held in private homes until the community acquired a synagogue. It joined the Reform Movement in 1954 and welcomed student rabbis from Leo Baeck College. The congregation grew under Jonathan Romain, its first full-time rabbi from 1980 to 2024.
In 2001, the synagogue moved to Grenfell Lodge, a former hostel for disabled children, officially opened by Prince Edward in 2017. A Jewish history walkway was added in 2018, reinforcing its role as a Jewish center in the Home Counties, serving Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, with a strong focus on outreach and inclusivity.