Rabbi Mordechai Ginsbury celebrated his 10th anniversary at Hendon Synagogue among friends — 250 of them who packed the Raleigh Close community centre for a Shabbat lunch.

Opening proceedings, synagogue vice-chair Naomi Landy said the congregation was “fantastically lucky” to be served by Rabbi Ginsbury and his wife Judy.

Praising the minister for his hard work, approachability, sense of humour and commitment to the community, she read out tributes from Lady Jakobovits and Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks.

The Chief described Rabbi Ginsbury as “a living role model of all a spiritual leader should be — kind, patient, a teacher, a pastor, a mentor and a friend”.

Guest speaker Dayan Yonason Abraham of the London Beth Din recalled his schooldays at Hasmonean where Rabbi Ginsbury was his prefect. Other contributors included Nosson Ginsbury, the minister’s son, and synagogue chair Jonathan Miller.