Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell | The Wimbledon Synagogue

A Progressive Leader for Wimbledon Synagogue

Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell has been the spiritual leader of Wimbledon Synagogue since November 2020, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to inclusivity, lifelong learning, and social action. With a diverse career spanning Germany, South Africa, and the UK, Rabbi Schell is dedicated to creating a vibrant Jewish home for all, fostering interfaith dialogue, and advancing Progressive Jewish values.

Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell joined Wimbledon Synagogue as its congregational rabbi in November 2020. Known for his inclusive approach and value-based, non-judgmental Judaism, Rabbi Schell strives to ensure that Wimbledon Synagogue is a welcoming Jewish home for everyone. This includes families, singles, seniors, students, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and those who connect with traditional Jewish settings. His rabbinate centres on fostering social action (tikkun olam), encouraging lifelong learning, and promoting open dialogue within the community and beyond.

Born and raised in Frankfurt, Germany, Rabbi Schell initially pursued a career in the book industry as a bookseller and key account manager in Munich. His journey into the rabbinate began with his studies at the Abraham Geiger College in Potsdam/Berlin, where he earned his ordination in 2013. His rabbinic thesis explored the topic of adoption in the Hebrew Bible and Jewish law (halacha). Rabbi Schell holds a Master of Arts in Jewish Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Jewish and Religious Studies.

Before his tenure at Wimbledon Synagogue, Rabbi Schell served as the senior rabbi of Bet David Progressive Jewish Congregation in Johannesburg, South Africa (2014–2020). Under his leadership, Bet David flourished, becoming a diverse and vibrant community that welcomed individuals and families from all socio-economic backgrounds, including the LGBTIQ+ community and interfaith families. Prior to this, he served as the rabbi of the Progressive Jewish Congregation in Hamelin, Germany, and worked as the national youth director for Netzer Germany, focusing on engaging Jewish youth in Progressive Judaism.

Since joining Wimbledon Synagogue, Rabbi Schell has continued to foster the synagogue’s tradition of inclusivity and outreach. The synagogue is the largest Jewish congregation south of the Thames, with over 450 member households. Rabbi Schell leads its many activities, including Shabbat and festival services, lifecycle events, educational programmes for all ages, and interfaith initiatives. He also serves as the Jewish chaplain for GESH, St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier’s hospitals, extending his pastoral care to the wider community.

Rabbi Schell is an active participant in interfaith dialogue and community engagement. He co-chairs the South West London branch of the Council of Christians and Jews and has served on the board of the European Rabbinic Assembly. He is a member of multiple rabbinical organisations, including the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and Cantors in the UK and the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

Rabbi Schell is married to Dr Chayim Schell-Apacik, and together they have embraced the Wimbledon Synagogue community with warmth and dedication. Rabbi Schell’s visionary leadership, combined with his passion for education, inclusivity, and social justice, continues to guide the congregation into a thriving future.

For any inquiries or to contact Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell, please email rabbi@wimshul.org.