Rabbi Kimche, who was born in Melbourne and came to London in 1958, is a graduate of the prestigious Mir yeshivah in Israel and also has a London University doctorate on the philosophy of law in the Talmud.
Ner Israel, the independent, modern Orthodox congregation he founded in Hendon in 1984, has now grown to nearly 400 families. It is known for its strong adult education programme which includes a Talmud class for women.
Rabbi Kimche was the rabbi who initiated the campaign to set up the north-west London eruv, which transformed life for Shabbat-observant families in the area.
Meanwhile, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks has made it clear that he has no wish to prolong his office after his scheduled departure next September. He indicated that he was sticking to his retirement plans during a recent question and answer session at London's Western Marble Arch Synagogue.
Lord Sacks said that the idea of remaining longer in office had been broached with him - which, his office later explained, related to discussions which had taken place before the an
nouncement nearly two years ago of his retirement date.
