Leadership

Rabbi Lazer Gurkow

Rabbi Lazer (Eliezer) Gurkow was born in Boston in 1972. He holds a rabbinic Semicha from the Central Yeshiva of Tomchei Temimim and has served as rabbi at Congregation Beth Tefilah since June of 2000. His passion is sharing the Torah and our heritage with Jews everywhere. He enjoys giving classes, personal conversations, and study sessions. He has authored two books and contributes weekly divrei Torah to several online publications. "Our's is a small but dynamic congregation," says Rabbi Gurkow. "Join us on Shabbat mornings and enjoy the heimish atmosphere of our boutique Shull."

Rebbetzin Basie Gurkow

'Rebbetzin Basie Gurkow is native to London, Ontario. She received her initial Jewish education in London at the hands of her legendary parents, Dr. Yitzchok and Laya Block, and went on to complete her studies and formal Jewish training in New York. Basie received her early childhood teacher's training in Jewish schools around the world, including Brooklyn, New York; Dallas, Texas, and Sydney, Australia. After marrying Rabbi Lazer, Basie began her career as a Rebbetzin and teacher in Marina del Rey, California. They moved to London, Ontario, in 2000, where Basie transitioned seamlessly to her role as Rebbetzin to Congregation Beth Tefilah. In 2003, Basie formally took over as the primary teacher of the Gan Gani Preschool program at Jewish London, founded by her mother, Mrs. Laya Block. She has continued in this position for over twenty years, serving as director, curriculum coordinator, and primary teacher.