London-born Rabbi Shlomo Mordechai Odze and his wife, Rebbetzen Judith, arrived in Birmingham in 2005.  Previously assistant Rabbi with portfolio for youth at St. John's Wood Syngaogue, London and before then Minister at West Ham & Upton Park Synagogue, Rabbi Odze brings an enthusiasm, dynamism and energy to all aspects of Synagogue life.  Not content to fill his time embracing the many duties required as a provincial Rabbi he has also become involved in many communal activities and has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues from other faiths within the city.
 
Rabbi Odze gained his Semicha and training from Kollel Meretz and Ner L'Elef (Israel) and from London School of Jewish Studies. In his desire to improve and develop his own knowledge, Rabbi Odze manages to learn with local Rabbanim and has recently completed a Grauate Diploma in Law. Notwithstanding his relative youth and small stature, Rabbi Odze is not one to mess with as he is also a qualified instructor in Krav Maga (Israeli close combat)!
 
Rebbetzen Judith Odze (nee Rose) is not what one might expect from a Rebbetzen: a keen drummer (having played with bands in Israel) she does not need to be asked twice to get her kit out and play for ladies' dancing sessions and even the odd Shul Purim Se'udah!  Rebbetzen Odze has recently completed an intensive hairdressing course at a local college.  
 
Together with their three beautiful daughters, Esther, Bat Tzion and Sara, the Odzes' home is always busy with local teenagers, students and members of the community enjoying their warm friendship and tasty hospitality.