In normal times, a rabbi joining a community looks forward to getting to know members at services and other gatherings.

But these are not normal times and Rabbi Mordechai Chalk said after being appointed minister at Watford and District Synagogue that he and his wife Shira appreciated “the challenge of engaging with the congregation virtually during this crisis. And we very much look forward to meeting everyone personally in due course.”

He’s certainly fit for duty as a qualified personal trainer who enjoys lifting heavy weights.

Having been overwhelmingly approved by members following a virtual meet and greet in April, the Chalks join the Hertfordshire shul this month.

Raised in Golders Green, the minister is an old boy of Hasmonean High who went on to spend 11 years studying and teaching in Israel. He teaches part-time at JFS, is a qualified shochet and recently graduated from the Rabbinic Training Academy.

Although he will serve a community with a local Premier League team, he remains loyal to Barnet FC.

Mrs Chalk is the daughter of Dayan Ivan Binstock. She also studied in Israel, has a degree in education from Goldsmiths, University of London, and has been involved in educational work. The couple have three young children.

The rabbi sees Watford as “a community of great potential in an area of Jewish growth. We are excited about building a bright future together.”

Shul chair Brian Markeson was delighted to have recruited “a young and dynamic couple embarking on their first community role. The Chalks have successful track records in education at all levels and we are confident that they will help us strengthen and grow over the years ahead.

“We look forward to the whole community being able to meet them in person as soon as we get back to shul.”