Meet our Rabbinic Team

Rabbi Akiva Rosenblatt studied in leading yeshivot in Gateshead and Israel, receiving semicha (rabbinic ordination) from the Jerusalem Kollel. He later completed the Rabbinic Training Academy programme in London, which prepares rabbis for contemporary communal leadership through mentoring, pastoral training and engagement with modern Jewish life.

In 2026 he joined Hampstead Shul, having previously served as Senior Rabbi of Hadley Wood Jewish Community (2020–2025) and as Assistant Rabbi at Woodside Park United Synagogue (2018–2020). Rabbi Akiva is known for his clear and engaging teaching, as well as his approachable and thoughtful manner, and is committed to supporting individuals and families at every stage of their Jewish journey.

He is a member of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue and serves as the Honorary Principal of Wolfson Hillel Primary School. Rabbi Akiva also enjoys using his singing voice to lead services and officiate at wedding ceremonies.

Rebbetzin Batya Rosenblatt was raised in Manchester and studied at the Jewish Teachers Training College in Gateshead. She subsequently taught Jewish Studies at Broughton Jewish Primary School, where she developed her passion for education and supporting young people’s growth.

After marrying Rabbi Akiva and moving to Israel, Batya studied at the Shelem College of Complementary Medicine in Jerusalem. She later trained in the Three Principles approach to emotional wellbeing in 2018 with Dr George Pransky and Dr Mark Howard. Batya now leads wellbeing groups and seminars for women, with a particular focus on relationships and emotional wellbeing.

She is deeply committed to supporting others and plays an active role within the community alongside Rabbi Akiva.