An independent modern Orthodox community is planned for Edgware following a meeting of potential participants this week.

Titled Kehillat Ohev Shalom ("Lover of Peace"), it aims to hold a number of Shabbatonim in the coming months - the first in September.

Its organisers are Lindsay Simmonds, a lecturer at the London School of Jewish Studies, and Barry Kleinberg, who has also been teaching there.

They said the new community's emphasis would be on "Torah learning, social justice and the active participation of all its members". It would adhere to Orthodoxy "in a caring and inclusive way" and would not be a partnership minyan. The organisers hope to attract world-class scholars in residence. Around two dozen people attended Monday's open meeting.