Rabbi Daniel Epstein will be leaving Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue next spring to join the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London's West End.

By the time of his departure, Rabbi Epstein, 48, will have spent just under seven years at CNSS, his first post after gaining semichah, having come to the rabbinate relatively late after a career in marketing and PR.

He said he and his wife Ilana had "grown to love" the North London community but were looking forward to the challenge ahead in an area with "a slightly different demographic - "more young professionals, multi-nationals passing through and students.

"Ilana and I have made our mark at Cockfosters and I'll take the things I've learned with me."

There is already an emotional link between the couple and their new congregation as they married there in 1996.

Announcing the news to CNSS members, shul chair Ivan Cohen said he did so with mixed emotions

"Not only will CNSS be losing an enthusiastic, hard-working and charismatic rabbinic couple. I shall be saying ‘au revoir’ to a long-time friend in Rabbi Epstein. We hope to be able to give them a proper send-off nearer the time, coronavirus-willing."

The shul was being advised on the way forward by the United Synagogue and, at its next council meeting, would convene a search committee to find a new rabbinic couple.

"Thrilled" to have recruited the Epsteins, Western Marble Arch president Michael Ziff added: "Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we received many applications from UK and international candidates for this prestigious role. The Epsteins stood out in a crowded field. We cannot wait to welcome them to our community and wish them every happiness and success at Western Marble Arch.

“Of course, we will be sad to say goodbye to our beloved rabbinic couple. Rabbi Lionel and Natalie Rosenfeld have worked incredibly hard for the community, brought us great kudos and fulfilled the synagogue’s spiritual and pastoral needs. Western Marble Arch has also benefited from Rabbi Lionel’s chazanut and interpretation of the prayers and Torah readings, which have made our synagogue services internationally renowned. Natalie’s celebrated Shabbat table hospitality has been appreciated over the years by members and visitors alike. We wish them hatzlacha in their future endeavours and know they will quickly feel back at home in Israel. They will always be welcome here."