The Merseyside rabbi whose job has been under threat because of his Childwall congregation's financial problems has spoken about the stress the uncertainty has caused him and his family.
Childwall members rallied around Rabbi Mordechai Wollenberg after the shul announced that it would have to let him go or face exhausting its financial reserves.
Although the groundswell of support persuaded the lay leadership to reconsider the decision, the 150 members at Monday's AGM were told that the £21,000 shortfall in the rabbi's salary must be raised by the end of May.
Rabbi Wollenberg, who joined Childwall in 2011, originally agreed to serve a three-month notice period before departing with a financial settlement. But he is now stuck in limbo.
Though expressing gratitude to his supporters, the father-of-seven confided: "I'm concerned about the insecurity and instability, which is not very helpful when you've got to give 100 per cent of yourself to the community. If they don't raise the money, we'll be back to square one. I'm good at what I do and I don't want to leave. I throw myself into my work. The one thing I need in return is a salary."
Childwall president, Syd Edels, remains positive about the prospect of the 300-strong community raising the requisite funds. "There was certainly a strong feeling that the shul must have a full-time rabbi, but it's up to the congregation," he said after the AGM. "The likelihood is that enough was done at the meeting to ensure that position.
"The whole episode has galvanised the congregation to recognise the financial issues at hand and the need to support the workings of the shul. The publicity the JC has given and letters written to the congregation will hopefully pay dividends."
To get more from community, click here to sign up for our free community newsletter.