The mother of Croydon Federation minister Rabbi Natan Asmoucha was able to enjoy his induction ceremony despite being unable to travel from Vancouver, watching the service through a Skype link.

Like those in the shul, she heard Federation Beth Din head Dayan Yisroel Lichenstein describe a minister as both a father and a teacher to his congregation. Rabbi Asmoucha responded that he was committed to serving the congregation and working with the wider Croydon community.

Other speakers were the Federation of Synagogues president, Alan Finlay, and his Croydon counterpart Anthony Bond. The service was led by Rev David Rome of Catford Synagogue, together with members of the London Cantorial Singers, and the packed congregation included local religious and political leaders.