About Us
Chabad Buckhurst Hill serves Jews of all backgrounds who want to experience Judaism in a fresh environment and learn more about their Jewish roots, tradition and culture. Chabad Buckhurst Hill opened in 2005 and is directed by Rabbi Odom & Henny Brandman, a young dynamic couple with 8 children who have dedicated their lives to serving the community.
Together with their wonderful volunteers, they organise many events and programmes for the community including Torah classes and lectures, Shabbat services and dinners, and an array of family and social activities.
With their warm smiles and non-judgemental approach, the Brandmans moved into Buckhurst Hill in May 2005 with the goal of strengthening all aspects of Judaism in the area. They are here for you, are approachable and ready to help you in any way.
Meet the Team
Rabbi Odom Brandman
Rabbi Odom Brandman, was born and raised in Essex where he attended IJPS for his primary school education and then Hasmonean High School where he completed his GCSEs and A-Levels. Rabbi Brandman then continued his studies in Talmudical and Rabbinical colleges in Gateshead England, Montreal Canada and Sydney Australia, he received his Rabbinical Ordination from the Rabbinical College of Sydney after a total of 5 years intensive study. During these years, he was also involved in many aspects of outreach with experiences including twice running Pesach Sedorim in the Ukraine, leading youth summer camps in Canada and New York and directing extra-curricular programs in various schools in Australia.
After completing his Rabbinic studies he undertook a six month posting in Las Vegas working within the Jewish community there. His responsibilities involved hospital chaplaincy, prison chaplaincy, running services, teaching, youth programming and other aspects of communal service. Being introduced to Henny in Las Vegas, Rabbi Odom & Henny married in Chicago and then lived in New York for a year where they settled down together and were involved in teaching and mentoring younger students while making their plans for the future.
Henny Brandman
Henny Brandman, was born and raised in Chicago, USA. After receiving her High School diploma in Chicago she went on to receive a diploma in education from the Teachers Seminary of Tzfas, Israel. Her remarkable and gentle upbeat manner drove her to run youth summer programs all over the USA. After completing her schooling years, she took up a post in Las Vegas working with one of her uncles in his Chabad Centre where her responsibilities included weekly Hebrew classes, Shabbos programs and one on one teaching.
Hannah Fineman
Hannah joined Chabad Buckhurst Hill in September 2017. She has lots of office management experience, having worked for a number of departments within the medical school at Queen Mary University of London. Having been brought up in the local area, Hannah is now happily bringing up her own three children within the community and have attended Chabad Camp, Ckids and Cteen activities for a number of years. Hannah is now delighted to be putting her office skills to good use in ensuring the smooth running of the office, and working as part of a team that serves the community.
Our Volunteers – too many to name, Chabad Buckhurst Hill has the most amazing team of volunteers, dedicated community members who help with so many different aspects of our Community Centre. If you are looking to get involved, there are so many different ways you can!
We have ladies that bake, a catering team, security team, building management team, volunteers to help set up for events, volunteer readers who help with Hebrew reading at Cheder, a Welfare Team, a Marketing Team… there are so many ways you can contribute to the community and be part of the action! Please let us know how we can help each other.