Rabbi Alex Chapper has been confirmed as Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue's new senior minister after a members' vote.
He fills the vacancy caused by the departure of Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz in November after a month of unexplained leave.
Rabbi Chapper joined the Hertforshire shul in 2017 as community minister with responsibility for continuing the development of its BES@Yavneh congregation.
He and his wife Eva have initiated a number of educational programmes for all ages.
Rabbi Chapper wants the synagogue to develop into "a truly seven-day-a-week community with a broad range of educational, social and cultural activities.
“Conscious of our size and growth [BES is the largest US congregation], we will strive to ensure that every member is provided with multiple access points to communal involvement.
"I’m passionate about innovation that inspires people to greater religious commitment and deeper knowledge, and have ambitious plans to further develop our IT – Interactive Torah – offering that utilises technology to deliver educational content, as well as niche programming that is tailor-made to different demographic groups.
“We will also be enhancing the religious provision for women."
