The induction of Rabbi Sandra Kviat at the Liberal-affiliated Crouch End Chavurah was attended by more than 70 people.

Danish-born Rabbi Kviat, who is expecting her first baby in December, was praised for her leadership and dynamism by Rabbi Aaron Goldstein of Northwood and Pinner Liberal Synagogue.

Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich congratulated the chavurah on creating a friendly, outward-looking community which valued people above place — it holds services in a cricket club pavilion and members’ homes. Appointing a rabbi was more important than having a synagogue.

The chavurah runs Shabbat services on the third Friday or Saturday of the month, has weekly Hebrew classes and is launching a cultural programme with an evening with prize-winning novelist Linda Grant.