Richmond United Synagogue members have voted overwhelmingly to appoint Chaim and Gila Golker as their new rabbinic couple and they will start their duties in August.

Growing up in North London, Rabbi Golker attended Hasmonean High and spent four years studying at leading Israeli yeshivot.

He works for Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust as a cognitive behavioural therapist and is a published author on religious and secular subjects. His wife has worked as an informal educator, a youth leader and in the mental health field.

Rabbi Golker is head of the Richmond cheder and said the role had helped him build relations with the congregation. “It excites us greatly to strengthen these relationships further.

“We have been touched by the outpouring of warmth and support from the community.”