Rabbinic Team
Rabbi Hackenbroch
Senior Rabbi
Rabbi Pinchas Hackenbroch grew up in Stanmore, London and attended Hasmonean High School and read Law at London Guildhall University.
He studied in Israel in several Yeshivot including Gush Etzion and Mir obtaining semicha as well graduating in practical Rabbinics through the Ner Le’elef Institute and Kollel Halichot Yerushalayim. It was during this time that he met his wife Gila, nee Elevitsky whose father was Rabbi of the Mizrachi Shul in Antwerp, Belgium and they married shortly after. Whilst in Israel he delivered popular weekly lectures in Talmud and Jewish Philosophy.
Before being appointed full time Minister of Woodside Park Synagogue in November 2008, Rabbi Hackenbroch was Rabbi of Newton Mearns Synagogue in Glasgow for five years. He was head of Kashrut for West of Scotland and a popular weekly columnist for the Jewish Telegraph. During their time in Newton Mearns Rabbi Piny and Gila Hackenbroch were well known for dynamic and exciting educational and social programmes, including "60 days for 60 years" a learning programme tackling contemporary Jewish issues that attracted over 1000 people. In Scotland Rabbi Hackenbroch became a sought-after speaker, from giving talks within the community, to a monthly shiur in Manchester as well as guest speaker at many inter-communal and inter faith events.
In Woodside Park, Rabbi Hackenbroch is renowned for his entertaining and yet thought provoking and inspiring sermons and shiurim which are a constant draw. In addition, he is renowned for his outstanding communal programming which has won the admiration of Chief Rabbi Mirvis, who recognised him as “one of the most creative and innovative Rabbis” in the United Synagogue. In addition, he has been the driving force behind much of the development and vibrancy of Woodside Park Community which continues to grow close to 1,400 members.
Beyond his community he is a sought-after speaker and has spoken in the US, Canada, and Europe. He is a regular contributor in the media both in the press and social media as well as appearances on radio.
Outside of his Shul work Rabbi Hackenbroch enjoys, practicing as both a commercial and family mediator, sitting on mediation panels and assisting individuals and businesses with dispute resolution. In addition, he enjoys spending quality time with the family and his hobbies include tennis and football and he even came out of retirement scoring against Spurs Legends in a Charity Match.
Contact Details
Rabbi Hackenbroch
Tel No: Shul Office : 020 8445 4236
Tel No Mobile: 07976 728350
email: rabbiph@woodsidepark.org.uk
Gila Hackenbroch MSc
Gila Hackenbroch, is a popular speaker with both the ladies and teenage girls at Woodside Park and for several years has coordinated the WPS Ladies learning programme New Moonies. She played a leading role in the WPS Shabbat UK and many other high profile social programmes. In addition, Gila assists in facilitating Woodside Park Cares and has been instrumental in leading the comprehensive response to the Covid Pandemic for our community. Prior to coming to Woodside Park, Gila was Rebbetzin in Newton Mearns, Glasgow, where she created innovative programmes across the community, lectured for UJIA and was the liaison for the Glasgow Beth Din as well as working for Relate as a therapist.
In her professional life, Gila is a highly respected psychotherapist who currently heads Mental Health for Camp Simcha as well as working as a consultant for various charities and as a family therapist in private practise.
Family Hackenbroch play an active and integral role in all aspects of communal life and are renowned for their open door policy and being extremely approachable.
Rabbi Yitzchak Blachman
I am Rabbi Yitzchak Blachman married to Shira nee Spector (an Architect). We are proud parents of Yehuda (5) and Avital (3).
Born in Har Nof Jerusalem - I studied at Yeshivat Torat Yechiel High School. Continuing at Yeshivat Derech Chochma followed by 3 years at Yeshivat Ofakim.
During this period I volunteered for 5 years at Chayeinu - an organisation helping cancer stricken children and worked at its Camp Simcha USA during summers.
After marriage I studied at and was ordained for the Rabbinate at Aish Center Jerusalem completed with Ner L'Elef course of practical Rabbinics, Kirov and communal leadership. During this period, I also completed Civil Service mentoring children of broken homes.
For the past two year we have been working as a couple for Shelanu - an organisation of Jewish Futures catering to enhancing Jewish identity in the Israeli London community.
We are very excited to join your unique community. Hoping to work together with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Hackenbroch, as a team towards the continuous growth and thriving of this great community.