Leo Baeck College opened its doors to give the wider public an insight into its activities and future plans.

As well as tours of its North London premises — a Grade II-listed manor house dating back to 1723 — guests enjoyed taster sessions delivered by students and faculty including the college dean, Rabbi Charles Middleburgh.

The college trains rabbis and educators for the Progressive community, both in the UK and abroad.

Its principal, Rabbi Deborah Kahn-Harris, said it had been “wonderful to meet so many of our supporters, donors, potential students and those who just wanted to find out a bit more about the vital role that Leo Baeck plays in Progressive Judaism.”

It marked the start of a three-year period when it would celebrate “foundational milestones”, such as the 50th anniversary of the ordination of the first European female rabbi and the 35th anniversary of the first openly LGBT+ rabbis in Europe.

“These festivities will culminate in 2025-26 as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the college.”

Among the visitors was Karen Newman, a member of the Liberal Jewish Synagogue St John’s Wood, who said the day had been “a great workout for mind and body.

“The tour around the listed building — including the exceptional library with its 60,000 volumes — was magnificent, as were the taster learning sessions which evidenced the academic and research rigour at the heart of the college’s work.”