Hampstead Garden Suburb Synagogue has appointed Rabbi Dr Jeffrey Cohen as consultant minister while the shul's selection committee searches for a permanent replacement for Rabbi Reuven Livingstone, who left at the end of February. Rabbi Cohen, formerly of Stanmore Synagogue and an ex-assistant rabbi at HGS, will deal with halachic issues alongside community director Rabbi Anthony Knopf.
Chazan Avromi Freilich will continue to assist on pastoral visits.
In a letter to reassure members who "may feel unsettled during this period", the shul welcomed the involvement of Rabbi Cohen. "The rabbis will work together to ensure that members are well represented and supported." The hope is to appoint a senior rabbi before the end of the year.