Faith leaders from across Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire joined together to celebrate the return of Rabbi Anna Gerrard as Lead Rabbi of Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community (3CLJC).

It was a case of ‘welcome back’ for Rabbi Anna (pictured) – who had previously served 10 years in the post, before leaving the community in 2020 to take up the role of Jewish Chaplain at Clifton College in Bristol.

Gloucester MP Richard Graham and the Deans of Gloucester and Hereford cathedrals, the Reverend Canon Sarah Brown and the Reverend Canon Andrew Zihni, were among the 50 people who came for the induction service and Shabbat lunch.

Chair of 3CLJC, Mark Walton, said: “We wanted to celebrate how far our small community has come and share a little bit of our culture with our friends and neighbours.”

Rabbi Anna added: “This community has been a part of my life and my family’s life for many years. It was good for me to take on different challenges, and learn from other branches of the Jewish community, but I am delighted to be returning to the role.

“Three Counties Liberal Jewish Community is thriving and growing, with members of all ages and Jewish backgrounds. It is a Jewish home for so many people and I am proud to serve them once again.”