Leo Baeck College will open its doors on Monday for the first time in more than 18 months for the resumption of in-person teaching.

The move follows discussions with students and staff. The Finchley college says that safety protocols have been put in place and those unable to attend will still be able to participate via Zoom.

Around 16 students are expected to return initially. Courses have been entirely online since March 2020.

Leo Baeck’s first in-person graduation ceremony for two years will take place on October 10 when Frankie Gruzd, Adela Kobic and Oren Giorno receive their MA in Jewish educational leadership.

The trio graduated last year but decided to wait until they all could be together to formally celebrate their achievement. Their ceremony will include the presentation of tallitot and kippot and a tree planting. Attendance will be limited to 40 family and close friends and college staff.

Also this month, Leo Baeck will host the Lionel Blue Lecture, held annually in memory of the popular rabbi and college alumnus. This year’s event will be for a hybrid audience and the speaker is broadcaster and political commentator John Kampfner.

The lecture is one of the college’s key fundraisers as it seeks to generate £500,000 each year to maintain its training of Progressive rabbis and educators.

College principal Rabbi Dr Deborah Kahn-Harris is “delighted to be able to once again welcome students, graduates, donors and guests back into Leo Baeck.

“The last 18 months have been tough for us all and although we have had much success with online teaching, everyone feels the time is now right for us to come back together.

“The Lionel Blue Lecture is something everyone looks forward to and to be able to host a speaker of the calibre of John Kampfner will give everyone a lift as we enter this New Year and new term.”