Having officiated at the induction of Newcastle United Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Aaron Lipsey, Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks did not return to London empty handed. Sam Pearlman presented him with a housewarming gift for his new home — a decorative mezuzah cover.

More than 200 people attended the induction, including local councillors and church leaders. Rev Benjy Caplan conducted the service.

In his address, Lord Sacks praised the Lipseys as a unifying influence, highlighting events they had hosted, such as a communal Seder and a recent barbecue. He reminded the congregation that Newcastle Jewry had produced a Chief Rabbi, Sir Israel Brodie, two Lord Chief Justices (Taylor and Woolf) and five Lord Mayors.

Responding, Rabbi Lipsey thanked the community, his wife and children for their support since moving to Tyneside from Manchester, where he served Sale Hebrew Congregation.
His family had settled well, making many friends within the community.