St Albans Synagogue is closing in on the appointment of a part-time rabbi — its first professional minister for more than half-a-century. The last was the late Rabbi Avrom Chaitowitz, who left St Albans for Stanmore Synagogue, where he officiated for many years.

To explain to members what they have been missing, the shul’s board invited Finchley Synagogue assistant minister Rabbi Michael Laitner to address the St Albans AGM on the role of the rabbi.

So appealing was his summary of the benefits that a good rabbi could bring that board member Nigel Marks jokingly told him that he was hired.

It is hoped that the minister will start his duties before the High Holy-Days.