The rabbi of Nottingham Hebrew Congregation, who is being made redundant at the end of the month after 27 years’ service, has declined the offer of a special kiddush for his last Shabbat.
“For me, to celebrate leaving is not a celebration,” Rabbi Moshe Perez said.
He was looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family, who live in Manchester.
In October, Rabbi Perez told congregants that the synagogue’s management had indicated that some halachic services would be “contracted out. Subject to my availability, I would be proud to offer my services and would look forward to doing so.”
But this week, he said “nothing is guaranteed at the moment” in terms of a future association with the congregation. The Orthodox shul has fewer than 200 members but had cash and investments totalling over £1.1 million, according to its last published accounts for 2016.
A trio of trustees is currently responsible for its running but it has been without a president, vice-president and treasurer since resignations nearly three months ago.