Dublin Hebrew Congregation held a farewell kiddush to Irish Chief Rabbi Yaakov Pearlman, who is returning to America with his wife Sheila after seven years in the post. Rabbi Pearlman thanked those in and beyond the community who had assisted him during his time in office.Tributes were paid to him by Howard Gross, a former president of the congregation, and Jewish Representative Council of Ireland chairman Leonard Abrahamson. Speaking to the JC afterwards, Rabbi Pearlman said he would miss “the meaningful friendships I have forged with so many members of our community in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Moreover I will miss the magnificent countryside, the cliffs, the Irish Sea and the Atlantic coast.” Highlights of his tenure had included the promotion of Torah learning at the Stratford Jewish schools; the kosher certification of two bakeries; the introduction of Irish-produced glatt kosher meat and discussions with Irish political leaders on behalf of the community. Pending the appointment of a successor to Rabbi Pearlman, the 2,000-strong Irish community will continue to be served by communal rabbi Zalman Lent.