Gathering in the echoing vault of the gutted former church that is to be Edgware Adath Yisroel Congregation’s new home, 200 adults and children saw minister Rabbi Zvi Lieberman lay the foundation stone for the shul’s Ark. They also signed their names on bricks which will be incorporated into the Ark’s structure.

The congregation hopes to move into the £1.1 million synagogue in June. The site is opposite the shul’s former Hale Lane premises, where work is soon to commence on a new Edgware Jewish Primary school and nursery.
Speaking at the ceremony, Edgware Adath chair Jason Ozin said: “It has been a long journey, peppered with false starts, seemingly unreachable horizons and a good few late night meetings.

“And then some serious demolition and reconstruction starts in front of your eyes and the project becomes reality.”

He made special mention of the “impressive and conscientious” builders, “who have been so superb that we see no reason why the project should not come in on time and on budget”.