More than 125 people, including the Mayors of Elmbridge and Woking, saw Rabbi Drorah Setel inducted at North West Surrey Synagogue in Weybridge on 25 October.

Rabbi Drorah Setel was formally inducted as the spiritual leader of North West Surrey Synagogue in Weybridge on Sunday 25 October, in front of what the synagogue called a full house of more than 125 people.

She has led the congregation since the start of 2026. The synagogue’s own Meet our Rabbi page says she arrived in January after serving communities in Los Angeles, Seattle, Niagara Falls and Rochester, New York, and that she is best known as co-author, with Debbie Friedman, of the “Mi Shebeirach” prayer sung in congregations around the world.

Who was there

The induction was officiated by Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet. Rabbi Josh Levy, co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, attended, as did the Mayor of Elmbridge, Cllr Judy Sarsby, with her son acting as consort for the day.

Civic guests came from beyond the borough too: Cllr Rob Leach, the Mayor of Woking, and Tim Hall, Chair of Surrey County Council. The synagogue says the local MP, Monica Harding, and the Right Reverend Paul Davies, Bishop of Dorking and acting Bishop of Guildford, were also present, alongside what it described as “an impressive turnout of local leaders of other faiths”.

Philip Goldenberg, the synagogue’s co-Deputy Chair and Interfaith Officer, said:

“It was a great occasion, and a privilege to share it with so many civic leaders and colleagues of other faiths.”

What it means for you

North West Surrey Synagogue is at Horvath Close, Rosslyn Park, Weybridge, KT13 9QZ. Its website lists services, events and a how to visit us page for anyone who would like to attend, along with its interfaith activities.

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