The rabbi of Belsize Square Synagogue, Stuart Altshuler, is to step down from the pulpit at the the independent Progressive community in two years.
In a note to congregants, the chair of the synagogue Jackie Alexander said Rabbi Altshuler would remain until July 2021 and then take a “very well-earned sabbatical” for 12 months before finally taking leave.
Rabbi Altshuler, who joined the synagogue in 2011 after coming from California, will be 69 when he goes .
Ms Alexander said he would continue to lead services with his “distinctive combination of enthusiasm and warmth”, while working closely with the rabbinic search committee to find a successor.
The synagogue, which was founded by refugees from Nazi Europe and follows the German Liberal tradition, celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
