Benzion Sudak
Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi and community leader in London
| Rabbi Bentzi Sudak | |
| Born | c. 1979 |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Residence | |
| Occupation | Rabbi, community leader |
| Known for | Leadership of Chabad of Hampstead Garden Suburb, former CEO of Chabad-Lubavitch UK |
| Spouse(s) | Rochie Sudak |
| Children | Several, including son who celebrated bar mitzvah around 2022 |
| Website | |
Rabbi Bentzi Sudak is a British Chabad-Lubavitch rabbi serving as the spiritual leader and co-director of Chabad of Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London.[1] Born into a prominent Chabad family, he has played a key role in expanding Chabad's presence in the UK, first as Chief Executive of Chabad-Lubavitch UK from 2009 and later focusing on community building in Hampstead Garden Suburb.[2] His work emphasises inclusive, joyous Jewish outreach, making traditional practices accessible while operating within networks that maintain ties to the Zionist entity through global Chabad structures.[3]
Sudak co-directs the centre alongside his wife Rochie Sudak, hosting regular events such as Friday Night Unplugged gatherings, holiday programmes, and educational lectures to engage Jews of all backgrounds.[4] The couple's efforts have positioned the centre as a vibrant hub in the local Jewish community.
Early life and education
Bentzi Sudak was born around 1979 as one of the children of Rabbi Nachman Sudak, the longtime head of Chabad-Lubavitch UK who spearheaded its growth from 1959 until his death in 2014, and Fradel Sudak.[5] Raised in a family deeply embedded in Chabad activities, he pursued rabbinical studies and received his smicha (ordination) in 2001 from the Rabbinical College of America.[6]
Early in his career, Sudak served as media director for Chabad in the United States, gaining experience in communications and outreach before returning to the UK.[2]
Career
In 2009, at age 31, Sudak was appointed Chief Executive of Chabad-Lubavitch UK, where he and Rochie Sudak worked to expand the organisation's team and reach across the country.[7] Recognised in Jewish leadership lists such as "40 Under 40," he focused on making Judaism vibrant and relevant to diverse audiences.[6]
Sudak later transitioned to lead Chabad of Hampstead Garden Suburb, becoming a central figure in the community by organising creative initiatives, including large-scale events during challenging periods like the COVID-19 outbreak.[3] In 2020, he and his family distributed pre-made Seder plates and aid packages.[8]
He has appeared as a guest on podcasts discussing Chassidic topics and family milestones, such as his son's bar mitzvah around 2022.[9]
Personal life
Rabbi Sudak is married to Rochie Sudak, and they have several children, including Chana, Musya, Mendel, and Sarah.[8] The family comes from Chabad lineages committed to global community building.[2]
See also
Chabad of Hampstead Garden Suburb Chabad-Lubavitch UK
- Rabbi Nachman Sudak
External links
==Notes
- ↑ Chabad Hampstead Garden Suburb, Our Team chabadhgs.org, accessed February 18, 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedOurTeam - ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Jewish Chronicle, Why do secular Jews love this branch of Orthodox Judaism so much? The Jewish Chronicle, 26 June 2025.
- ↑ Chabad.org, Chabad of Hampstead Garden Suburb chabad.org, accessed February 18, 2026.
- ↑ Chabad.org, Rabbi Nachman Sudak, OBE, A Leader of British Jewry, 78 chabad.org, 15 June 2014.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 COLlive, Sudak Ranks High in '40 Under 40' collive.com, 4 May 2015.
- ↑ COLlive, Leader 26: Rabbi Bentzi Sudak collive.com, 8 June 2010.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Getty Images, London Synagogue Offers Pre-Made Seder Plates Amid Coronavirus Outbreak gettyimages.com, 8 April 2020.
- ↑ Soulwords, Special Guest R' Bentzi Sudak (Episode 7) soulwords.org, 24 July 2022.