The Elstree and Borehamwood Masorti Community has appointed its first part-time minister, Rabbi Oliver Joseph, who will start in September.
Originally from the UK, and latterly Jerusalem, he completed his rabbinic studies in Los Angeles. He is also a graduate of the educators programme at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and holds a Masters in Jewish philosophy from Tel Aviv University.
Elstree is something of a homecoming for Rabbi Joseph, 32, who grew up in the Masorti movement through the New North London Synagogue in Finchley and its youth organisation, Noam. He will dovetail his duties at Elstree with involvement in young Masorti activities - from Noam through to those in their late 20s and early 30s.
Established in 2008, the Elstree Masorti community has grown to beyond 100 members and holds services in rented premises.
Rabbi Joseph said he would officiate on one Shabbat a month and run weekly or bi-weekly activities. He saw "enormous potential in the area, where there are many unaffiliated people. Masorti offers families a Jewish engagement which doesn't have to be at the sacrifice of their engagement in the modern world."