I grew up in Reading, had both formative and traumatic experiences attending the Hanoar Hatzioni youth movement, before studying at the University of Leeds. I read psychology and philosophy as an undegraduate (asking whether Rambam really believed in creation), had superb shoulder length peyot for a couple of weeks that were (in my mind) the pride of campus, before studying a philosophy masters focusing on Wittgenstein.
The importance of both Rambam and Wittgenstein is how philosophy “is a battle against the bewitchment of our intelligence by means of language”. I count Judaism as part of a battle against the reduction of the world to a facetious insignificance. Rav Hirsch and Soloveitchik are intellectual influences in terms of how Judaism should develop ‘creatively from within’ and as a ‘science from itself’. After brief spells at Shappells and Pardes, I embarked on a (decidedly non philosophical) career in Technology Business Management, in financial services and now as a consultant, where musings about facetious insignificance are less in vogue.
I moved to Borehamwood upon marrying my wonderful wife Sarah, and currently enjoy raising three lively children (who, of course, sit in absolute silence in shul cough). I have taken children’s services over many years, given J-Live Talks, taken Anim Zemirot club, been on the haftorah rota, and other sundry things.
I have lived on both sides of Borehamwood, enjoying the Limmud service and Yavneh. I like the “small-shul” feeling, whilst benefiting from being in a large community; where everyone is so friendly, welcoming and close knit. I look forward to continuing the work of our previous illustrious wardens, and continue to ensure the service is one we all get involved in, where everyone is welcome and feels at home, and ensure our regulars feel involved and appreciated.
Shabbat Shalom
Neil Clarke
Yavneh Warden