The rabbi of the S&P Sephardi Community’s biggest synagogue, at Lauderdale Road, in Maida Vale, is leaving to go to the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue at Holland Park — a year after he pulled out of the same move.

Dayan Daniel Kada, who has been at Lauderdale Road for two years, will be taking up his new position towards the end of the year— although he will continue his work with the Sephardi Beth Din.

Holland Park is not a constituent of the SPSC but is affiliated to its burial society and the Beth Din.

In July last year, it was announced that Dayan Kada would be heading west to Holland Park but he was persuaded to change his mind and two weeks later congregants were told he would be remaining at Lauderdale.

It is understood that one factor is that Holland Park, which has a four-bedroom house attached, can offer a better accommodation arrangement to Dayan Kada, his rabbanit Tamar and their four children.

SPSC members were told this month that his departure was “in no way connected” to the recent restructuring of the organisation’s head office, which saw a number of job cuts as part of efforts to make savings of £250,000.

The Kadas, who had previously been at another SPSC constituent, Wembley, for seven years,. had made “a significant impact” on the community, the SPSC statement said. “His humane approach to halachah and deep knowledge of our community will be of great benefit to the important work of the Beth Din and our Kahal [community],” it stressed.

Gerry Temple, a Lauderdale member, said "He's going to be a great loss to Lauderdale Road. He has done a fantastic job community-wise. We're going to miss him."

But he added, "I think - one day in the future - he will be back."

Dayan and Rabbanit Kada told congregants “we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know so many members of this wonderful and unique Kahal. The relationships we have built will stay with us throughout our lives and we hope to share many happy occasions together. 

“We are delighted that we will not be too far from you and sincerely hope to remain in touch. We thank the board and each and every one of you for the lovely years we have shared together.”

SPSC Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck will assume responsibilities for Lauderdale Road, assisted by consultant Rabbi Israel Elia, who retired full-time two years ago.

SPSC members were told that “in light of the Kahal’s current financial situation, the board do not plan to recruit a replacement at present”.

Holland Park’s president Naomi Green said they were looking forward to “an exciting future with our new spiritual leaders” who would be joining in mid-November.

“We have interviewed all applicants for the role of rabbi, but there is only one rabbi that has the gravitas and credentials to lead the Kahal from strength to strength,” she said.

The synagogue had sought the help of Chief Rabbis in five countries to help find a replacement for Rabbi Avraham Lavi, who has retired to Israel, she said.