A celebration of the life of William Frankel, former editor of the Jewish Chronicle, was held last week at the New London Synagogue in St John’s Wood.

His wife, Claire, read an extract from the work of Ralph Waldo Emerson and his son John recounted memories of his father. Mr Frankel’s successor, Geoffrey Paul, spoke about Mr Frankel’s time at the Jewish Chronicle and JC chairman Peter Levy also paid tribute. The 200-strong audience included other members of the family, friends and former colleagues.

Mr Frankel, who died in April aged 91, edited the paper from 1958 to 1977 and was also chairman of the JC’s board from 1991-1994.