Biography
Born in the East End of London, Rabbi Standfield initially trained as an engineer and then went on to study at the Leo Baeck College in London. He received semicha in 1968 and served his first congregation St Georges Settlement Synagogue until 1971, when he moved to take up the pulpit at Middlesex New Synagogue in Harrow.
In 1989 he moved to South Africa where he served congregations in Johannesburg and Durban.
During his time in the UK, Rabbi Standfield held several posts on the Assembly of Rabbis, was involved with the Council of Christians & Jews, and was a marriage guidance counsellor.
During his time in South Africa, Rabbi Standfield was highly involved in all aspects of Jewish life there including Chairing the Rabbinic body and becoming a Vice President of the SA Zionist Federation. Rabbi Standfield was called on regularly to attend functions representing the Progressive Movement and was fortunate to meet Nelson Mandela on at least 3 occasions, as well as many other dignitaries. He was a huge supporter of the women's organisations'charitable works all over the country.
He retired from the full-time Ministry in 2005 and returned to the UK.
Since then he has served congregations in a part-time capacity.
Rabbi Standfield is married to Carol and they have 5 married children and 11 grandchildren, all living in the UK. During her time in South Africa, Carol was involved in many charitable works and also President of the national women's organisation.
In 1989 he moved to South Africa where he served congregations in Johannesburg and Durban.
During his time in the UK, Rabbi Standfield held several posts on the Assembly of Rabbis, was involved with the Council of Christians & Jews, and was a marriage guidance counsellor.
During his time in South Africa, Rabbi Standfield was highly involved in all aspects of Jewish life there including Chairing the Rabbinic body and becoming a Vice President of the SA Zionist Federation. Rabbi Standfield was called on regularly to attend functions representing the Progressive Movement and was fortunate to meet Nelson Mandela on at least 3 occasions, as well as many other dignitaries. He was a huge supporter of the women's organisations'charitable works all over the country.
He retired from the full-time Ministry in 2005 and returned to the UK.
Since then he has served congregations in a part-time capacity.
Rabbi Standfield is married to Carol and they have 5 married children and 11 grandchildren, all living in the UK. During her time in South Africa, Carol was involved in many charitable works and also President of the national women's organisation.
