Rabbi Nancy Morris told her induction audience at South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue that she had come to a shul which placed “emphasis on good Jewish education” and had “a family-like warm, engaging and welcoming community.

“It was certainly many of these characteristics that attracted me."

The induction ceremony for Rabbi Morris — who served a Calgary congregation after a spell with Glasgow Reform Synagogue — was conducted by rabbis Laura Janner-Klausner and Jackie Tabick. Guests included Redbridge Mayor Councillor Muhammed Javed and other local councillors.

The programme also featured the rededication of the prayer hall, which suffered extensive storm damage earlier this year.

More than 100 people attended a dinner the previous night to celebrate the contribution of Rabbi Stephen Howard during his nine months as the shul’s interim minister.

Thanking Rabbi Howard for his commitment to the community, synagogue chair Jan Mortlock presented him with a Kindle.