At 7:06am on the 27th of July, 1984, Myrella Saunders gave birth to a little baby boy in the east end of London. He was subsequently named Aryeh Zeev Saunders. Having moved to Manchester at the age of 4 and a half, Zevi (as he became known), grew up in Higher Broughton and Higher Crumpsall Synagogue. Here he gained valuable insights into what it’s like to be a rabbi from observing his father, Rabbi Arnold Saunders (Rabbi Saunders I).

Zevi attended Manchester Jewish Day School followed by Manchester JewishGrammar School, where he gained 8 GCSEs and 2 A-Levels (these are very good qualifications, in case you were wondering ? ) Zevi went on to study in yeshivas in Gateshead, England for approximately 3 years.

In 2005, Zevi was appointed Junior Minister at Higher Broughton and Higher Crumpsall Synagogue and Religious Chaplain at Newlands Residential Care Home. In the summer of 2010, Zevi gained smicha (rabbinical ordination) from Dayan Osher Westheim of Badatz Iggud Rabbonim Europe. Since then, he has built a close relationship with the Dayan and has gained valuable experience in halakhic issues (issues pertaining to Jewish law). In February 2011, Zevi was appointed as the Minister of Southport Hebrew Congregation in Southport, England. There he gives weekly sermons, seasonal literature, and monthly classes. Zevi is happily married to Rebbetzin Tziona Sara.
In his spare time, Zevi likes to unwind by playing soccer. In fact, he started his own team in 2006 in the Manchester Jewish Soccer League. In 2007 he was appointed secretary of the Northern Jewish Cricket League.

Rabbi Saunders likes to adopt a fun approach to Judaism. He tries to liven up the services and make them interesting, especially for those who do not understand Hebrew or are unfamiliar with the services. Zevi specializes in creating a welcoming atmosphere for all Jews wherever he may be. He makes a point of acknowledging all those that come to his services or seek his guidance. No question is too elementary or difficult. However, if an issue is beyond his scope, Rabbi Saunders is unafraid to consult with another who may be of service. The Rabbi and Rebbetzin take pleasure in hosting guests regularly and have an open home.

Rabbi Saunders served as the Rabbi of the Young Israel of Mapelton Park in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, NY. Additionally, he served as the Ritual Director of Congregation Talmud Torah of Flatbush also in Brooklyn, NY.
Currently , he is the Program Coordinator fot the Program for afterschool Jewish education at Soreff JCC in Plantation Florida. He also serves as a rabbinical coordinator for Kosher Miami Kashrus agency.

Rabbi Saunders starred on ITV1 documentary series “Strictly Kosher” in the summer of 2012. The series received 8 million views upon its premiere.

Professional Skills

Leined weekly since 2005
Led all the yearly services
Given regular classes and sermons
Received voice and chazzanos training
Officiated at funerals, stone settings, and shiva houses
Please feel free to contact Rabbi Aryeh Zeev Saunders, also known colloquially as Zevi Saunders, on any of his social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube, or e-mail him.

For a detailed work history and résumé, visit his Linkedin profile.