Central Hosts Successful Rachel Johnson Event

On Shabbat, 10 February 2024 Central Synagogue had the pleasure in hosting broadcaster, journalist and author Rachel Johnson, sister of Boris Johnson at their latest “ Kiddush Talk”.

To an audience of more than 100 members and guests, in a most entertaining address  she spoke at length about her involvement in, and support for, the State of Israel including her stay as a volunteer at Kibbutz Kfar Hanassi with her brother in 1984 and the Jewish blood in her family through her maternal great grandfather, a Rabbi in Lithuania.

The talk stimulated great interest and provoked a variety of questions and comments from the floor.

Rachel Johnson was formally introduced by Council member Jonathan Metliss and a vote of thanks was given by Rabbi Barry Lerer who presented her with some books on the history of Central Synagogue, one written by the chairman Mervyn Druian and vice chairman Leonard Fertleman.

Chairman of Central Synagogue Mervyn Druian said “this was a special weekend for Central Synagogue and thank you to Rachel Johnson who spoke so well and entertainingly, impressing everyone present “.

Rabbi Barry Lerer added “Rachel Johnson spoke so well and with clarity and we were all delighted to see her commitment to the State of Israel and to the fight against anti semitism “.

Central Synagogue has embarked on an active programme of cultural events of Jewish content in its Talks of Interest and Kiddush Talks series.