Wimbledon Synagogue, the largest in South London with 850 members, has appointed Rabbi Adrian Schell as its new minister.

Rabbi Schell — who will join the Reform congregation after the High Holy-Days — has served the Bet David Synagogue in Johannesburg since 2014, where he has been successful in increasing membership.

Wimbledon draws its congregation from across South-West London, Surrey and beyond. There are more than 100 children in its cheder.

Shul chair Rob Glaser said: “Rabbi Schell is the ideal fit. He shares our traditional values and commitment to the community and I know he will be instrumental in guiding us forward.”

The minister said he felt “blessed beyond words for this incredible chance to open the next chapter in my rabbinic journey”.

Brought up in Frankfurt, Rabbi Schell started out as a bookseller before becoming a sales and marketing manager at Germany’s leading publishing house.

Having decided on a career change, he served Progressive congregations in Germany and abroad during his rabbinic training and was ordained in 2013.

He has also been involved in Jewish youth work in Germany and holds degrees in Jewish and religious studies.