Rabbi Adrian Schell told the 150 guests at his Wimbledon Synagogue induction service that he felt “really blessed” to lead the Reform congregation.

With the ceremony having been delayed by Covid restrictions, Rabbi Schell is now well ensconced in his role with the 850-member South London community.

The former bookseller had previously served one of South Africa’s largest Reform shuls, Bet David in Johannesburg, and a number of congregations in his native Germany.

The induction attracted a high VIP turnout with guests including ten rabbis — four of them previous Wimbledon ministers — two bishops, two MPs and the Mayor of Merton.

Emeritus minister Anthony Hammond led the service, at which Rabbi Schell said Wimbledon’s attraction was “our shared values, reflected in our commitment to provide a welcoming Jewish home for all”.

Value-based Judaism, which expresses itself through social action, tikkun olam and interfaith dialogue, had been the key principle of his rabbinic journey.

Founded in 1949, Wimbledon Synagogue draws its 850 members from across South-West London, Surrey and beyond. Its cheder has more than 100 pupils.

Its latest barmitzvah boy, Eli Hipkins, has topically picked the South London Refugee Association as his chosen charity.