Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue members will vote next month on the endorsement of Rabbi Daniel Epstein to fill its ministerial vacancy following the retirement of Rabbi Yisroel Fine.

Hendon born and raised, Rabbi Epstein studied at Hasmonean, Yeshivat Har Etzion and Imperial College. He made aliyah with his wife Ilana in 1998, working in marketing and communications. He was subsequently a fundraiser while studying for semicha in Jerusalem. Originally from America, Mrs Epstein taught at JFS before aliyah. A qualified pastry chef, she wrote a regular Jerusalem Post cookery column.

Rabbi Epstein’s appointment has been approved by the CNSS selection committee and board of management. The Epsteins will spend the Shabbat of February 14/15 with the community and members will vote on the appointment on February 16, with a view to the couple starting before Shavuot.

The Epsteins have four children, who they anticipate will attend the Wolfson Hillel Primary and Hasmonean High.