Rabbi Alan Kimche, the founder of the independent Ner Yisrael community in Hendon, is to make aliyah at the end of December.

In a message to congregants, he and his wife Via said they felt it was time to leave the community they had served for 34 years “while we are still young enough to be able to contribute in some small way” to the Jewish people in Israel.

The announcement will have come as no surprise since Rabbi Kimche had forewarned his community early in 2017, when he was 64, of his intention to move to Israel.

Opened in 1984, Ner Yisrael became noted for its strong religious Zionist ethos and commitment to education, particularly for women.

“It has blossomed from a tiny community of around 15 families into the wonderful and vibrant, modern and Orthodox community it is now,” the Kimches said.

“Ner has played a vital role in the North-West London Jewish community by being innovative and totally loyal to authentic Torah.”

While viewing their aliyah with excitement, they were nevertheless “sad and reluctant to leave this beautiful kehillah [community].”

Ner Yisrael's co-chairs, Jonathan Marriott and Kerrin Rosenberg, paid tribute to “an almost unparalleled period of inspirational rabbinic leadership in modern times.

“Inspired and inspiring Torah teaching and clear and wise halachic guidance, combined with the depth and warmth of their involvement on a personal and communal level, has made us such a rare and special community.”

A succession committee will shortly be set up to recruit new rabbinic leadership, they told members.