Members of Palmers Green and Southgate Synagogue have narrowly rejected a motion to close it.

At a special meeting on Sunday — convened following a petition signed by more than 10 per cent of the membership — congregants voted by 60 votes to 54 to keep it open.

A spectator described the atmosphere as “emotional and at times challenging” as representatives of the different sides put their views.

The synagogue has had no officers or board since May. Its male membership of 200 has dropped by more than half since 2000. The United Synagogue will now have to decide the future of the north London community, which dates back to the 1920s.

But one former Palmers Green officer was pessimistic about its survival chances, pointing out that, “because of what’s happened, there is likely to be a further loss of fee-paying members, which is going to have a significant impact on the future viability of the shul. This must hasten its rapid decline.”