Simon Hochhauser – Past President, United Synagogue - Pelorous

Doreen Samuels - Women Representative, United Synagogue
Doreen was elected as a Women’s Representative in July 2011.
Doreen’s first husband was Jonathan Fine, z”l, a well-known and much admired
lay leader. They had three daughters, Miriam, Sarah and Ruth, and now have three
adorable grandchildren who take up any ‘spare’ time.
Now married to Jeffrey Samuels they, together with Doreen’s mother, brother and
his family, and sister and her family, all live in Pinner.
Having originally qualified and worked for several years as a pharmacist, her later career has
been in education and latterly, in Jewish Studies. She has a PGCE from the Institute of Education
as well as an MA in Hebrew and Jewish Studies from Jews College. Doreen was a class teacher,
Head of Juniors, and then Head of Department of Jewish Studies and Deputy Head at Sinai, and
still works as a teacher-trainer and schools and curriculum advisor.
Doreen writes extensively on Jewish topics and was co – author of the Chief Rabbi’s Children’s
Siddur. Communally, Doreen has served on the Board of Management of Pinner Synagogue, and
was one of the first women representatives at the US Council.
She runs and participates in many educational programmes for families, adults, Bat Mitzvah girls
and children at Pinner, as well as in the wider community, and is a graduate of the Susi Bradfield
Educators’ Fellowship. She has recently ‘retired’ as Chair of Governors of Moriah Jewish Day
School, but is still actively involved in fundraising for the school.
Doreen was a founder member of the Stanmore Women’s Tefillah Service, the original London
Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group and the Jewish Women’s Network. She was co-Chair of the very
successful Harrow Day Limmud in March 2011, and is already working towards the next one, in
March 2013.
She is currently involved in many initiatives and discussions around challenges and opportunities
for women, and is keen to work with all in the United Synagogue to find viable, halachically
acceptable responses to enhance women’s full participation in the organisation.