Kehillah North London held an inauguration service and celebratory kiddush to officially welcome Rabbi Leah Jordan as the community’s new minister.

Although Leah joined Kehillah last year, a welcome ceremony had to be postponed due to the pandemic.

Taking place this Shabbat, the inauguration was attended by local community leaders, including the Mayor of Hackney Phil Glanville, councillors and representatives from the Kurdish Community and St Mary’s Church.

Liberal Judaism’s chair Ruth Seager, National Officer for Inclusion Owen Power and CEO Rabbi Charley Baginsky were also there to help Kehillah officially welcome their new rabbi.

Leah said: “This was such a wonderful day and really felt like the cementing of something beautiful. It made me feel more grateful than ever to be Kehillah’s rabbi, and I look forward to great things in our shared future.”

Kehillah chair Robert Freudenthal added: “Rabbi Leah joined us during a particularly challenging time. She has already done a remarkable job at keeping us all connected and growing the community.

“That made extra special to be able to formally celebrate, especially as we could be joined by local community, faith and Liberal Judaism leaders.”

Picture: Ruth Seager, Owen Power, Rabbi Leah Jordan and Robert Freudenthal