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.