The Chief Rabbi celebrated a new chapter in the history of “one of the liveliest, warmest and most welcoming shuls in London” when he inducted Rabbi Michael Rosenfeld as Kingston, Surbiton and District Synagogue’s minister on Sunday.

Lord Sacks told his audience that the young American-born minister had already “endeared himself to the Kingston congregation as someone who cares both about the community and the individual”.

He praised the contributions to the ceremony of the cheder choir and the community’s teenagers, suggesting that they would be ideal candidates for a local version of the X Factor.

The Chief went on to highlight the synagogue’s close relationship with the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames, evidenced by the presence of the mayor, Councillor Ian McDonald. Local Lib-Dem MP Susan Kramer and Christian and Muslim representatives were also present, as were leaders of other south London Jewish congregations.

In his address, Rabbi Rosenfeld pledged to “continue to build and rebuild the community, increase its membership and public profile and introduce new social and educational programmes”.