Radlett Synagogue has announced a raft of changes in the shul's spiritual and lay leadership following the departure of Rabbi Ariel Abel and the resignation of honorary officers who said they could no longer work with chair Andy Katz.

Members were informed this week that Jeffrey Gruder would assume the vice-chairmanship until new elections at the AGM in May. The two departing wardens would be replaced by a rota of "service co-ordinators", who were already concentrating on arrangements for the High Holy-Days.

And congregants would have a chance to put their views to the honorary officers at a meeting to be held just before Rosh Hashanah.

It was also revealed that Radlett member Elkan Levy - a past US president who is currently director of the Office of Small Communities - will become acting rabbi until after the festivals.

For the longer term, news is expected imminently of a "significant" interim rabbi to take the pulpit while the search for Rabbi Abel's successor continues.

Mr Katz told the JC he was excited about what he considered a number of positive developments, but declined to comment further.