The independent Toras Chaim in Hendon has appointed Hadley Wood Synagogue’s Rabbi Yoni and Elisheva Birnbaum as their new rabbinic couple.

The Birnbaums announced earlier this year they would be leaving the United Synagogue community in July after 10 years.

Rabbi Birnbaum said he and his wife were “tremendously excited and honoured" to be joining Toras Chaim, a community renowned for its warmth, commitment to Torah learning and special atmosphere. 

“Although it will be difficult for us to leave Hadley Wood, having spent ten wonderful years with the community, we look forward to this next stage in our lives with great anticipation.”

He will succeed former London Beth Din dayan Yonason Abraham, who left the Beth Din and the synagogue under a cloud a year ago.

Members of Kehillas Toras Chaim voted unanimously for the Birnbaums after a thorough selection process, a spokesman said. “We are delighted that they agreed to join us and we look forward to welcoming them when they begin the roles later this year."

Hadley Wood's chairman John Melchior said: “We are of course very sorry to lose the Birnbaums but we fully understand their reasons for leaving. Rabbi and Rebbetzin Birnbaum have been a gift from Hashem to our community.

“They have helped us achieve amazing things over the last ten years. They have been inspirational, motivational and have put us in a position where we know we can attract the highest quality of successor."

Steven Wilson, chief executive of the United Synagogue, said the couple had "developed the community beyond recognition and overseen the building of a beautiful new synagogue".