Menorah Reform Synagogue is set to welcome a new Rabbi, Kath Vardi.
Menorah Reform Synagogue in South Manchester recently announced the appointment of Rabbi Kath Vardi, who will join the synagogue in April 2025, succeeding Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky.
Currently Rabbi at North West Surrey Reform Synagogue, Rabbi Vardi has lived in Israel and spent a considerable part of her life in North West England, where she worked as a mental health services manager before studying for the rabbinate.
She received semicha from Leo Baeck College in London in 2017 having previously gained a bachelor’s degree in theology and religion from Manchester University. She holds two master’s degrees, one in Rabbinic Theology and a second in Public Administration (Faith Leadership) from Middlesex and Birmingham Universities respectively. Rabbi Kath has further qualifications from the Institute of Group Analysis and the Chartered Management Institute.
Rabbi Kath is currently a Co-Chair of the UK Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors. She written exclusively for the Jewish Chronicle, Jewish News, and other Jewish and non-Jewish publications and has presented at Limmud. She is also active in inter-faith forums.
She is married to Meir Vardi who previously taught Hebrew studies at King David High School in Manchester. They have five grown up children and one grandchild.
Chair of Menorah, Dr Laura Cohen MBE said: “We are thrilled that Rabbi Kath Vardi is joining us.”
Rabbi Vardi added: “Meir and I were members at Menorah for many years and I look forward to working with this vibrant community, the largest Progressive synagogue outside London.”