Maidenhead minister Rabbi Jonathan Romain has been elected chair of the Reform Beit Din.
Following his appointment by the Assembly of Reform Rabbis UK, Rabbi Romain will, for the next three years, head a rotating team of seven judges, having the final say on issues from conversion to divorce.
The religious court will be convened by North West Surrey Synagogue's Rabbi Jackie Tabick.
Rabbi Romain said: "The beit din is a great vehicle for helping people in different situations to sort out the issues in their lives. It's a very hands-on, humane role.
"My job is to sort out the cases which need special attention," he added. "Jewish law needs to have structure, but not be obstructive."
He wanted to find ways of aiding all who sought its services, rather than turning people away on a technicality.
"The best outcome is finding ways of saying 'yes' to those who need help wherever possible."
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