When Blackpool’s Leamington Road synagogue closed last year Rabbi Braunold moved to St Annes with the merger of the two congregations, and filling the shoes of Rabbi Book who retired.
Now St Annes is recruiting again, as Rabbi Braunold leaves the community after more than 27 years. So far two candidates have put themselves forward.
Sixty-two year old Rabbi Katanka studied at Liverpool Yeshiva and gained a cantor’s diploma from Jews College in London. A qualified Mohel and Torah Scribe, he gained a Masters degree in Hebrew and Jewish studies at London University as well as studying at the Manchester Kollel prior to gaining his semicha from London Beth Din. He has served variously as chazan and in rabbincal positions in London, Leeds, Sheffield, Golders Green, Edinburgh, Portsmouth and most recently Southsea.
Twenty-seven year old Rabbi Zvi Portnoy is the son of Hale Synagogue’s Rabbi Joel Portnoy. He was educated at Manchester Jewish Grammar, where he was head boy, and at various Yashivas in Jerusalem. He went on to also read Law at London University, as well as studying psychology with the Open University. A qualified Mohel, his specialisms extend to teaching about Jewish Marriage and Medical Halacha. A keen skier, he is married to Orly (nee Lopian).
Both rabbis will be visiting St Annes and meeting the congregation over the coming weeks.