Wanstead and Woodford Synagogue congregants have voted for the shul to switch from affiliated to full United Synagogue member status.

Founded in 1948, Wanstead and Woodford had over 800 family members at its peak. Today’s membership is around 500.

Chairman Malcolm Marcovitch believes “that as a full member, the benefits we would gain would enable us to grow again and continue to be a major player in the United Synagogue family”.

Rabbi Beni Fleischer — who has served Wanstead and Woodford for six-and-a-half years — looked forward “to the new opportunities that are now available to us”.

Full membership gives synagogues greater access to US services and administrative assistance.