The Chief Rabbi opened "a new chapter in the distinguished history of the Brighton Jewish community" when he inducted Rabbi Hershel Rader as minister of Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation.

Civic leaders and representatives of other Brighton synagogues were among the 350 people who packed the West Hove Synagogue, where the service was conducted by Adrian Alexander and Eliot Alderman, son of JC columnist Geoffrey Alderman.

Lord Sacks said Brighton Jewish history had been "full of remarkable characters such as Chief Constable Henry Solomon and the editor of the Brighton Gazette, Emanuel Cohen".

He praised the contribution of Rabbi Rader and his wife Perla since he took up the full-time position in August 2009, noting that there were now 30 pupils in the cheder, regular shiurim and a lunch and learn programme. He urged the congregation to "value and cherish" the couple.

Rabbi Rader encouraged congregants to take advantage of the learning opportunities, as well as the shul's social life.

Tal Lewis and Ruby Bass presented Rabbi Sacks with a painting showing synagogues established by Brighton and Hove Hebrew congregation - first in Devonshire Place (now an apartment block), then in Middle Street and finally in Hove's New Church Road. The painter was Martin Wertheim-Gould, a Reform synagogue member.