Ruislip and District Synagogue congregants have voted overwhelmingly at an EGM to move from affiliate to full member United Synagogue status.

“After discussions with the United Synagogue and seeing the many benefits of becoming a constituent member, including growing our membership, we now feel the time is right for us to become a full member,” said Menahem Briskman, Ruislip’s chairman.“In our 70th year, we are delighted the proposals have been accepted and we look forward to close co-operation with the United Synagogue”.

Full US members come under the organisation’s charitable umbrella and central policies on a range of issues. Affiliates employ their own staff and do not have access to US central grants.

The west London synagogue, which has more than 250 members, is following in the footsteps of communities such as St Albans, Potters Bar and Brookmans Park and Enfield and Winchmore Hill, which have moved to full status.

Welcoming Ruislip’s decision, US president Stephen Pack said: Rabbi Stanley Coten leads this lovely community with skill and dedication and I look forward to working even more closely with him.”

The change is conditional on acceptance by the US Council at its March meeting.