A well-known Manchester personality has died in Jerusalem from a brain tumour. Rabbi Ephraim Groundland, 76, was the minister of Higher Prestwich Synagogue for 17 years from 1959 and was the major fundraiser for its first building.

He also served as the rabbi of Stockport and Southport congregations, and after moving to Israel, travelled the globe raising money for the Israeli anti-missionary organisation, Pe’ilim. Rabbi Groundland has additionally officiated at festival services in Marbella.

Higher Crumpsall minister and close friend Rabbi Arnold Saunders remembered him as a “charismatic rabbi with a real sense of enthusiasm and dedication”. Rabbi Groundland is survived by wife Chana, two daughters and two sons.