Edgware Masorti’s Rabbi Mijael Even David and his wife Raya, its youth education director, are returning to Israel after four years.

The Even Davids had come on a three-year contract but extended it for an additional year.

The Argentinian-born rabbi said it had been “an honour and privilege” to serve the congregation. He had been impressed by the work of the Masorti movement and its pride in traditions. “We’ve had an amazing experience,” his wife added. “It is hard to leave — it wasn’t an easy decision.”

Mrs Even David said they had also been struck by the inter-denominational respect in the UK, with Orthodox colleagues referring to her husband as “rabbi”.

“He found it surprising that, even in a Masorti synagogue, there is great respect for the Chief Rabbi. In Israel, for example, Masorti Judaism has no relations with the Chief Rabbis.” Rabbi Even David will be taking up a post with a Masorti community in Beersheba.

Edgware Masorti is bringing over American rabbi Robert Alpert from Philadelphia next month as “provisional rabbi”. He will lead services over the festivals with a view to being considered for a permanent position.

“He comes highly recommended as a Torah reader and davener, teacher and pastoral rabbi,” the shul said.