Rabbi Israel Geoffrey Hyman
Rabbi 2019 – present
Belfast born, Rabbi Hyman had set his mind on becoming a rabbi at a very young age. Shortly after his Bar Mitzvah he went to Sunderland Yeshivah for two weeks, Gateshead Jewish Boarding School for a further three years, followed by four years at Chaye Olam Yeshivah and then a year back at Gateshead Yeshivah. After some time leading his home community he enrolled at Jews’ College, London, to gain the necessary qualifications and six years later graduated with a BA (Hons.) and a prestigious Semichah from the Principal, Rabbi Dr Nachum Eliezer Rabinovitch and countersigned by the then Chief Rabbi, Lord Jakobovits. During his Semicah studies, he took up the position as Minister to Streatham United Synagogue, followed by Sutton United Synagogue. Whilst at Sutton, he was headhunted by Woodside Park where he remained for six years. He was then approached by Belmont United Synagogue where he served for four years. Following a career change he was back serving Welwyn Garden City Community as a part-time Rabbi. After ten years in the gardening business he returned full-time to the Rabbinate and was offered the position of Ilford United Synagogue where he remained for 12 years serving the community’s needs. Rabbi Hyman is married to Michelle and have six children between them and many grandchildren.
