Rabbi Chaim Rapoport

Rabbi Chaim Rapoport was born in Manchester, England, in 1963 where his father served as the Rabbi of one of the largest synagogues - Higher Crumpsall Synagogue - for some 40 years. After his school years, Rabbi Rapoport attended the Yeshivot of Manchester, Gateshead, Torat Emet in Jerusalem and the central Lubavitch Yeshivah in New York. After receiving his Rabbinic diploma (Semichah) and his marriage in 1984 he continued his studies in the States. In 1987 he went with his wife Rachel Clara to join the community Kollel in Melbourne, Australia, where - in addition to his post graduate studies - he officiated and lectured in several communities, including the far flung Launceston in Tasmania.

In 1989, Rabbi Rapoport took up position as head of the Leeds Kollel, a position which he occupied until the end of 1994. In the years 1994 - 1997 Rabbi Rapoport served as Minister in Birmingham and the Head of the Birmingham Rabbinic Board. In September 1997 Rabbi Rapoport assumed his current position as Rabbi to the Ilford Synagogue, Beehive Lane. In addition to his regular lectures at Ilford Synagogue, Rabbi Rapoport has lectured widely on a broad spectrum of issues. He also gives a weekly Shiur to the United Synagogue Rabbinate at the London School of Jewish Studies.

In 1998 Rabbi Rapoport was appointed as member of the Chief Rabbi's Cabinet and Advisor to the Chief Rabbi on matters of Jewish Medical Ethics. Rabbi Rapoport is the author of several books and articles in both Hebrew and English.