Supporters of the Southend rabbi dismissed for alleged gross misconduct - but who is still leading services - will have an opportunity to challenge the lay leadership over the decision.

Backers of Rabbi Binyamin Bar have welcomed the announcement of an EGM on February 22. Past Southend and Westcliff Hebrew Congregation president Alan Gershlick, who organised the petition for the EGM, said "the community is very concerned about what is going on.

"It can only be a good thing to have this out in the open and debated, hopefully in a calm and reasoned atmosphere. Without doubt, the majority of the community would like to see the rabbi reinstated."

Since his dismissal on January 3, Rabbi Bar has continued to lead Shabbat services at the behest of congregants. He is being paid on an ex gratia basis pending an appeal process.

Southend and Westcliff vice-president Michael Nelkin has urged Rabbi Bar to agree to the terms of an independent adjudication. Most recently, the board had proposed a beth din in which both parties would nominate a dayan. The two selected would then agree on a third dayan to help adjudicate.

"His solicitors still haven't responded to it," Mr Nelkin claimed. "It's a limbo situation at the moment."

Although members had been notified about the extraordinary meeting, "there shouldn't be much to discuss at the EGM without the appeal", he pointed out.