Before an audience of congregants, Liberal Judaism leaders, the Mayor of Brighton and Hove and two MPs, Rabbi Gabriel Kanter-Webber was inducted as minister of Brighton and Hove Progressive Synagogue.

Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Charley Baginsky led the service, supported by Rabbi Danny Rich and the shul’s emeritus minister, Rabbi Elli Tikvah Sarah.

Rabbi Kanter-Webber, who took up his post last August, has a past connection to BHPS, heading its cheder while a student at the University of Sussex some ten years ago.

Shul president Sandra Walker said that being known and respected by the community made his job application more attractive.

“We have a heritage of excellence in our rabbinic team over the years and he is continuing this lineage.”

Long-standing congregants Prue and Stan Baker observed that Rabbi Kanter-Webber had “hit the ground running, engaging with everyone, establishing popular study sessions and tackling difficult social issues. He and his young family have been warmly welcomed by our growing community.”

Rabbi Kanter-Webber said that “for all I’ve heard about how lucky BHPS is to have me as its rabbi, in actual fact I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have BHPS as my congregation.

“Such a warm, welcoming and friendly community is a rare thing and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”