New Rabbi to bring East End to West

During the ceremony a precious collection of Torah scrolls, which survived the Holocaust, will be symbolically passed from father to son.

Aaron, who has even appeared in men's magazine GQ Style in a debate about faith, said: "I am really proud of what my father has achieved but I also need to make my own mark.

"In past years my mother has set up and run the synagogue's social care network, my sister leads the choir and runs a playgroup, while my brother-in-law has managed the security rota.

"I aim to spread responsibility far wider across the community while drawing in new members from a wide variety of backgrounds."

Aaron is also hoping to build an 'East End' type of community. He said: "The Jewish community in the East End was so close where everybody lived close to a synagogue.

"Our community is much larger and wider so I want to bring a sense of togetherness back to congregation. I also want to see myself enabling others to excel."

Aaron, who has been a Rabbi for six years, is married to his wife Tammy and has two children, Liora, five, and Shaya, three.

His father Andrew became the congregation's first Rabbi in 1965 and the synagogue is home the largest Liberal Jewish congregation in Britain.

Rabbi Andrew, who will continue to play an active role in the Jewish community, said: "I am immensely proud of what we have achieved here and to see Aaron takeover as our Senior Rabbi is a dream fulfilled. I wish him every success."

Rabbi Andrew has signed up to lead monthly services in Bratislava and will continue as an officer of the International Council of Christians and Jews and vice president of the World Union of Progressive Synagogues.