Around 300 people packed Radlett's United Synagogue in Watling Street on Sunday last week to welcome their new Rabbi, Gideon Sylvester.

Rabbi Sylvester studied for eight years in Israel to become a Rabbi, and he recently returned to take up his post as head of the village's orthodox community.

Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks was a special guest at the ceremony -- which Rabbi Sylvester planned himself -- along with distinguished scholar Chaim Brovender.

"I'm very excited to take up my post in a young and growing community of thoughtful people," said Rabbi Sylvester, who lives in Craigweil Avenue.

The 30-year-old confessed he could not remember what Dr Sacks has to say because he was so nervous about his own speech.

He met his wife, Rinat, in Israel and the couple are expecting a child within weeks.

"I spoke about the role of the Rabbi. About how he should be a man of the people, bringing his scholarship to the people.

"He should not looking down on them but be sympathetic to their needs."

Rabbi Sylvester said there was a strong teaching element in the induction, with men and women from the community performing readings about a Rabbi's role.

Children sang and one student, Mark Semler, played a song on his guitar penned in honour of his community's new spiritual leader.

The Rabbi said Radlett was a "wonderful" place and he was looking forward to bringing his youthful, dynamic approach to the village.

Mrs Sylvester is involved in work building relationships between Israeli and British people.

After the ceremony the synagogue celebrated the Rabbi's arrival with a "sumptuous tea" at the Radlett Centre.

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