The United Synagogue has been holding talks with Ohr Chodosh, the independent congregation run by London Beth Din head Dayan Menachem Gelley in Golders Green, about forming a closer relationship.

A US spokesman said it was looking at "assisting with the development of this growing community", but that discussions were at an early stage.

Only one of the four LBD dayanim, Dayan Ivan Binstock, is based at a US synagogue, St John's Wood.

As well as Dayan Gelley, Dayan Yonason Abraham has his own community, while Dayan Shmuel Simons has a minyan which meets on the Jewish Care campus in Golders Green.

The former head of the London Beth Din, Dayan Chanoch Ehrentreu, also has his own synagogue. Over the years, there have been periodic calls within the US council for communities run by the LBD members to become part of the US.

A deal would strengthen the US’s position in NW London

A deal with Ohr Chodosh would strengthen the position of the US in north-west London, where the Federation of Synagogues has been making concerted efforts to recruit new congregations.