Rabbi says farewell after 44 years at North London congregation

In his valedictory article in the EHRS magazine, he wrote that he had been tasked with the responsibility to bring the “wisdom and values of Judaism to our understanding of momentous global and national events”.

During his ministry, there had been many conflicts and natural disasters on which a Jewish response was required.

He had been frustrated by “the need to respond constantly to the recrudescence of rampant antisemitism”.

Within his congregation, Rabbi Katz was noted for his wisdom, humour, compassion and empathy.

He has chaired the Assembly of Reform Rabbis and served on Barnet’s Council's Sacre committee, which helps to regulate the teaching of religious faiths throughout the borough.

In 1999, he was a finalist in The Times' Preacher of the Year contest.

He plans to continue his pastoral duties, visiting the housebound, and engage in teaching, mental health awareness and Holocaust education.

Edgware and Hendon's new senior rabbi will be Mark Goldsmith, who joins the congregation in March from Alyth Reform in Golders Green.