Rav Yisroel Mantel to Leave Khal Adath Jeshurun, Will Relocate to Gateshead

Khal Adath Jeshurun of Washington Heights has announced that its longtime mara d’asra, Rav Yisroel Mantel, will be relocating to Gateshead, England, after 19 years of distinguished leadership.

In a letter sent to members and friends of the Kehillah, the Board of Trustees shared that Rav Mantel had approached them after Yom Tov to inform them of his decision to move closer to his children and grandchildren. The Rav explained that both he and the Rebbetzin feel that, as they get older, it has become necessary to be nearer to their family.

Rav Mantel plans to continue serving as rov of Khal Adath Jeshurun for as long as it remains feasible during the transition. The Board expressed its deep appreciation for the zechus the community has had to be led by Rav Mantel, who, together with his Rebbetzin, has earned the admiration of countless Kehillos beyond Washington Heights.

The rov also informed the Board that once he made his availability known, he was advised that he would be offered the position of rov in Gateshead, a role he had been invited to take several years ago but declined at the time, choosing instead to remain with his current Kehillah.

Rav Mantel requested that the membership be notified and that the process of finding a suitable successor begin immediately. A search committee has already been formed, and members are invited to share suggestions with the Board. Rav Mantel has graciously offered to assist in any way possible throughout the transition.

The letter concludes by acknowledging the hashpa’ah Rav Mantel has had on the Kehillah, noting that Hakadosh Baruch Hu has granted the community “exceptional manhigim,” and expressing a heartfelt tefillah that the rov will continue to do so in his new role.

{Matzav.com}