About

learn more about the team behind the scenes

Who We Are

the community

We believe in building a place that welcomes all

Together Rabbi and Mrs Simon have taught many hundreds of young Londoners who are interested in finding out more about their Jewish heritage. Since opening the doors of the Kesher Kehillah at its current premises, 933 Finchley Road NW11, the Simons have created a community which is welcoming to Jews of all levels of observance in an environment that is halakhically authentic, intellectually stimulating and spiritually fulfilling.

Kesher caters to singles, couples and young families, with a variety of programs to suit everyone, from young to old(er).

Rashi & Ruthie Simon

Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Kesher

Kesher

Our History

Kesher/The Learning Connection was founded by Rabbi Rashi and Ruthie Simon in 1997.
American-born, Rabbi Simon founded the highly-successful Jewish Learning Exchange in Little Venice, W9 in 1989 and was responsible for the introduction of the trailblazing Explanatory Services and Crash Courses to Anglo-Jewry. He has inspired and helped to set up regular Shabbat and annual High Holyday Explanatory Services in 30 synagogues around the country. Kesher also pioneered the concept of Lunch & Learn sessions in the City of London.

Ruthie Simon, a native of Los Angeles, USA, is a full partner in her husband’s work. Ruthie has run a programme of successful courses for women and couples, held in people’s homes and featuring a range of international guest speakers as well as her own insights into the Woman’s Role in Judaism.

Kesher People

Meet the Team

Rabbi Simon

Rabbi

Rebbetzin Ruthie

Rebbetzin

Dovid Kraus

Chazan

Leona Wieder

Administrator

Hachnasat Sefer Torah

a celebration of the 613th Mitzvah

Questions & Answers
this week

Questions and Answers

Ask the Rabbi: Quinoa on Pesach
Dear Rabbi Simon,
Where do you stand on quinoa (and the kitniyot ban) for Pesach?
Many thanks,
Tzippy
***
Dear Tzippy,
In line with other American authorities, I am in favour of quinoa. Although I reject completely the voices (mostly from Israel) seeking to abolish the ban on kitniyot entirely, IMO we do not need to include in the prohibition pseudo-grains that were unknown in the Old World until modern times. Best to buy with a Pesach hechsher though, to be free of any possible wheat contamination.
Rabbi Rashi Simon
Events / Calendar