The first-ever Jew to hold the office of High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire has been installed.

Nick Rubins was sworn in at a history-making ceremony at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue, where he is a long-time member.

The role of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office under the Crown, created over 1,000 years ago when shires were created, and not to confused with the lesser role of the Sheriff of Nottingham, the nemesis of Robin Hood.

Nick Rubins, the first Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire

Rubins, 57, born and bred in Nottinghamshire, told the JC he would traverse “all four corners of the county” as part of his role, “recognising and thanking people for the important work they do, particularly volunteers. The volunteer sector holds this country up.”

His myriad responsibilities will include representing the monarchy, civic responsibilities, supporting the judiciary, sitting in court, attending annual dinners and linking up with the prison system.

Rubins has chosen “supporting children, young people and carers” as his thematic focus, in addition to balancing his numerous normal duties. He said: “Part of the role is to carve out a little piece where my heart lies, and there’s an awful lot going on in children’s world these days, between post-Covid and social media use.”

One of Rubins' key roles as the new Sheriff of Nottinghamshire will be to support the King

NLS’ Rabbi Gili Zidkiyahu gave the priestly blessing at the ceremony, and there were speeches by representatives of the charities Nick will be supporting, as well as music from pianist and singer Jeremy Sassoon.

Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Veronica Pickering, Dean of Southwell Nicola Sullivan, Progressive Judaism co-lead Rabbi Charley Baginsky and NLS president Paula Scott.

Rabbi Charley Baginsky said afterwards: “I was so honoured to join Nick, Gili and all at Nottingham Liberal Synagogue for this amazing and historic moment – as a Progressive Jew has become the first ever Jewish High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire.”

Becoming High Sheriff is a rigorous process, consisting of being nominated, interviewed and vetted and finally sitting in front of a consultancy panel of about 14 individuals for over an hour, which Rubins described as “a bit gruelling”.

Among Rubins’ first duties are the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the King’s birthday, both in June.