Hale Synagogue has appointed Rabbi Yisroel Binstock to replace the long-serving Rabbi Joel Portnoy, who leaves the Manchester congregation next spring.

Rabbi Binstock — the son of a dayan — and his wife Leanne are currently the associate ministerial couple at Hendon United Synagogue, where they have been involved since 2013. He has also served Tribe, the United Synagogue youth arm, and the Ezra youth movement.

The Binstocks are keen to build on the progress made by the congregation — now numbering 700 — during Rabbi Portnoy’s 30-year tenure.

Synagogue president Ben Sallon said Hale had been “greatly blessed” by the contribution of Rabbi and Ruthie Portnoy, “who have literally given their lives to the congregation. 

“It is a time of mixed feelings. Sadness at saying goodbye to the Portnoys and excitement as the next chapter unfolds. We know we have the right couple to lead us into the next phase.”

The Binstocks said they looked forward to building on the Portnoys’ legacy. “This is a wonderful community and we are looking forward to engaging with its members.”