There was a full house at Kingston Liberal Synagogue on Shabbat as the congregation said farewell to its rabbi of 10 years, Charley Baginsky.
Rabbi Baginsky came up with a special service for the occasion which she led with Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich, who is also Kingston's emeritus rabbi.
"In many ways KLS is my birthplace," Rabbi Baginsky said." I spent my student rabbi days there [and] over 14 years altogether, 10 of those as their rabbi.
"There is no community like KLS. They are utterly bonkers, they heckle and have an opinion on everything - their children insist on reminding you how short you are. But this is a community that cares for each other, embraces the mitzvah of opening their doors to the stranger and the needy, welcomes the new with open arms and makes them feel like old friends."
It was the "most inspiring community that a rabbi could ask for".
They have an opinion on everything but care for each other
KLS chair Steve Farrer said the synagogue had been "immensely lucky to have had such wonderful rabbis. Today is a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to Charley, who has dedicated so much time, love and energy to our community."
Rabbi Baginsky is now the minister of South Bucks Jewish Community, as well as the co-ordinator of the Alliance for Progressive Judaism between the Liberal and Reform movements.