The first Jewish appointee to the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire was installed in a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue (NLS).

Nick Rubins – one of the synagogue’s most active and dedicated members – has taken on the role, which is the oldest secular office under the Crown. It was created over 1,000 years ago when shires were formed.

Among the 150 guests at the ceremony were the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering, Dean of Southwell Nicola Sullivan, Progressive Judaism Co-Lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky and many members of the synagogue, including Chair Paula Scott.

Together they witnessed Nick sign his Declaration of Office.

NLS’s Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu gave the priestly blessing, wishing Nick every success in all of his undertakings in the coming year. There were also speeches by representatives of the charities Nick will be supporting during his tenure and music from pianist and singer Jeremy Sassoon.

Rabbi Charley said: “I was so honoured to join Nick, Gili and all at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue for this amazing and historic moment – as a Progressive Jew has become the first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.”

The main duties of the High Sheriff includes attendance at Royal visits in the county and support for His Majesty’s High Court judges, supporting those involved in charity and voluntary sectors and actively encouraging crime prevention.

• Picture (L-R): Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu, High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Nick Rubins, Nottingham Liberal Synagogue chair Paula Scott and Rabbi Charley Baginsky