Four new rabbis who studied through the Leo Baeck College programme were ordained in a closed ceremony at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue St John’s Wood.

The rabbinical quartet are Mati Kirschenbaum (Bromley Reform), Deborah Blausten (Finchley Reform), Elliott Karstadt (Alyth Reform) and Anna Posner (Beit Klal Yisrael and student chaplaincy).

Following the service, Leo Baeck principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris expressed pride in “the academic standards, leadership and vocational skills our new rabbis have achieved during their time at the college.

“We can all feel reassured that our rabbinic alumni will ensure Progressive Jewish continuity for the next generation, fulfilling Leo Baeck College’s vision.”