15th Yahrtzeit of Rabbi A.D. Sufrin OBM, Pioneer of Jewish Education in the UK

We recently commemorated the 2nd Yahrtzeit of Mrs Henny Sufrin OBM his life-long partner and companion, on 4th Menachem-Av 5772, and any tribute would be incomplete without including her.

The purpose and vision of this site is to house an eternal tribute to their sincere dedication and commitment to the Rebbe and his directives, as devoted and faithful Shluchim (emissaries/ambassadors).

Rabbi and Mrs Sufrin OBM were pioneers in Jewish education and outreach both in North London and later in N.E. London and Essex. As a member of the executive of Lubavitch Foundation UK; of the founders of the Lubavitch House Schools, London; founder of the Camp Gan Israel network of Jewish camps in the UK (in 1960); founder of the Redbridge Chevra Kadisha; and numerous other communal activities and programs in addition to guiding and helping people in their personal affairs.

To quote the London Jewish Chronicle in November 1996:

"The mission of the Sufrin family when it was sent to Ilford, Essex, in 1976, was in many ways similar to that of those who risked life and limb to bring religion to Africa in the 19th century.

The London Borough of Redbridge — as Ilford had by then become — had one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe. Yet, despite the strenuous efforts of successive ministers and energetic lay people, it was a community which could most accurately be described as apathetic.

Synagogue membership had grown, and new shuls had opened, but this was more a matter of demographics than devotion. Membership of cultural organisations was low, the level of observance was such that a community of over 30,000 could barely support a single kosher restaurant, and while the Odeon cinema was needed for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, regular Shabbat services were less fulsomely attended.

To attribute the subtle shift towards a greater level of religious commitment and Jewish interest in the area entirely to the Sufrin clan would be unfair to others, and far too simplistic.

But to say they were a key factor — perhaps a catalyst — in this Redbridge Jewish renaissance would certainly not be an overstatement."

This site primarily contains the correspondence of the Rebbe with Rabbi Aron Dov and Henny Sufrin OBM. This numerous amount of letters, telegrams, Yechidus, and its varied content, will certainly give all readers a glimpse into the lives of Rev. and Mrs Sufrin and their achievements in so many areas of Jewish education and outreach.

It is our sincere hope that making these materials available will inspire others to follow in their footsteps and continue their legacy, by educating and cultivating others to strengthen their commitment to G-d, through increased observance of Mitzvos and Torah study.

With the fervent hope and prayer that in the Zchus of our collective commitment to better ourselves with the Rebbe’s directives, the Almighty will take us out of this bitter exile and send us Moshiach NOW!

The Family of Rabbi Aron Dov and Henny Sufrin
Rabbi Eliyohu E. Sufrin, Mrs Baila I. Hecht, Rabbi Aryeh M. Sufrin MBE, Rabbi Y. Boruch Sufrin