THE RABBINIC TEAM
Rabbi Mendel & Rebbetzen Chai Cohen
Rabbi Mendel Cohen is the Senior Rabbi of St John’s Wood Synagogue, an educator, motivational speaker, and writer. Born and raised in Leeds, he received rabbinic ordination from Machon Semicha Lerabanut, qualified as a certified Dayan through Eretz Chemdah, and holds a Master’s degree in Jewish Education and Leadership from the London School of Jewish Studies. Together with his wife, Chai, he previously led the Saatchi Synagogue, where they built a vibrant and welcoming community. Rabbi Cohen is known for his warmth, approachable style, and deep commitment to Jewish learning, community life, and pastoral care.
Rabbi Mendel Cohen and his wife Rebbetzen Chai joined the Rabbinic team as Rabbi at St John’s Wood Synagogue in 2018, after eight successful years as the Rabbi and Rebetzen of The Saatchi Synagogue, located on the SJW Synagogue site, together they oversaw its growth in membership and programmes.
Rebbetzen Chai Cohen, who grew up in Seattle, is currently studying to become a Yoetzet Halacha through the Nishmat Institute. She serves as Director of the St, John’s Wood Synagogue Nursery and is the founder of the Mimi Dwek Hebrew School. Known for her warmth, energy, and dedication, she plays a central role in nurturing Jewish life, education, and community.
Rabbi Mendel can be contacted by email at rmc@shulinthewood.com
Cantor Avraham Kirshenbaum
Cantor Avraham Kirshenbaum studied at the Central Cantorial School in Tel Aviv and in Petach-Tikva. He brings a wealth of experience with him having served as Chazan in numerous synagogues including Palm Beach – Florida, The Great Synagogue of Zichron Yaakov, Heichal Shlomo, The Great Synagogue of Tel-Aviv and performed in renowned concerts in Israel and worldwide. He has served as Cantor of the prestigious Jerusalem Great Synagogue and for the last three years has led choral festival and shabbat services at St John’s Wood.
Rabbi Yossi Binstock
Rabbi Yossi Binstock is our Chazan. Having grown up in our community he went on to study at Yeshivas Bais Yisroel for four years and Received Rabbinic Ordination. Rabbi Yossi Has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hult International Business School and has formally been a part of the team since 2014.
He leads highly acclaimed participatory Shabbat and Festival services and is involved with a wide range of teaching within the community.
Rabbi Yossi can be contacted by email at yossi@shulinthewood.com
Shifra & Nadav Hacham
Nadav and Shifra Hacham, originally from Jerusalem, have joined St John’s Wood Shul as Community engagement and outreach directors, working with Young Professionals and Young Families. Nadav is a strategic consultant, Shifra is a pediatric Occupational Therapist. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, exploring new cuisines, hosting and spending time with friends, watching shows and movies, or speaking passionately about Jewish philosophy or public policy issues.
Honorary Officers, Warden & Council
| Michael Abraham | Chairman |
|---|---|
| Rosanna Burr | Vice-Chair |
| Michel Sznajer | Financial Representative |
| Aviv Handler | Warden/Honorary Officer |
| Jourdan Rajwan | Warden/Honorary Officer |
| Pamela Crystal | Honorary Officer |
| Aliza Weinstein | Honorary Officer |
| Harlan Zimmerman | Honorary Officer |
Council
Michael Beagelman, Richard Braham, Lucy Collins, Caroline Gillis, Simone Klass, Andrew Mainz, David Marks, Sacha Nasan, Janet Weisz
Board of Deputies Representatives
Janet Weisz
To contact the Honorary Officers, please email hos@shulinthewood.com