Rabbi Garber grew up in Kenton, North West London and stayed local for both primary (Mt Stewart Primary) and secondary school (Claremont High School). His Gap Year in Israel was spent with Hanoar Hatzioni and included teaching English to students in Ashkelon, studying Hebrew in ulpan, living on a kibbutz and volunteering with the IDF. Rabbi Garber graduated from Leeds University where he studied Human Geography before spending two years working in marketing. He then went to Israel for a year’s study in Yeshivat Darche Noam (Shapells) before returning to the UK to work and teach at the JLE, Kisharon and the Noam Primary School.
Born in South Africa, but raised in Sydney, Australia, Rebbetzen Tanya is a qualified Radiographer. After marrying, the Garbers moved to Gateshead in 2003 where Alan studied for semicha until 2007.
His first role as Rabbi was as a University Jewish Chaplain responsible for the Yorkshire region, based in Leeds. The Garbers thrived in their three years in Leeds and it was a rewarding experience for Rabbi Garber to return to his old University to be the Chaplain. The Garbers then moved to Tanya’s hometown of Sydney where he became Associate Rabbi of The Great Synagogue. The role allowed him to be involved in all aspects of community life including the development of youth and education programmes, delivering sermons, providing advice and counselling to members and taking part in all life cycle events.
The Garbers have grand plans in store to help the Shenley community grow and flourish. This includes new innovative education programmes, warm and welcoming shul services, local Chesed projects, development of children’s and youth programmes in Shenley and social activities for different age groups within the Shenley community.
Commenting on his appointment, Rabbi Garber said: “My family and I are very excited about coming to Shenley. Please God, we are looking forward to helping this young and vibrant community grow.”
