Edgware and Hendon Reform members have raised more than £30,000 for a Sefer Torah as a lasting memorial to their “much loved” minister Rabbi Neil Kraft, who died from Covid in March last year.

Some 200 people contributed and Laurence Stein, who chaired the fundraising effort, was “staggered at the response from members, as well as some non-members. We expected it to take many months to reach our target but Rabbi Kraft was a much loved, respected and greatly appreciated man and rabbi.

“Neil taught, loved and cherished Torah so a new scroll is the perfect memorial.”

It is hoped the scroll will be ready in time for next year’s High Holy-Days.