Samuel and Shoshana Landau are Barnet Synagogue’s new rabbinic couple, filling the vacancy caused by the move of Rabbi Barry Lerer to Central Synagogue.

Appointed after a six-month selection process, they will initially serve the congregation on a part-time basis while they complete their studies in Israel. It is expected they will go full-time next year.

Rabbi Landau has held a number of community positions in England, most recently as minister of Kingston Synagogue. He is currently undertaking advanced rabbinic studies at the Jerusalem Kollel, offers rabbinic support at a local shul and has a small private practice as a clinical psychologist.

His wife was brought up in Australia and has worked in property investment and development. A graduate of the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan programme for women educators, she is passionate about female involvement in Orthodox Judaism.

The Landaus say they have found Barnet “a community of such warmth, enthusiasm and love. We look forward to building meaningful relationships with our members and creating a dynamic and contemporary programme of experiential learning and spiritual growth.”

Barnet’s joint chairs, Russell Eisen and Ronnie Palester, said the couple brought “a wealth of experience and are brimming with new ideas. We are sure they will do an outstanding job.”