Accountant turned rabbi Michael Foulds is figuring out how to adapt to life beyond the pulpit when he retires as Buckhurst Hill Masorti minister at Purim.

He came to the rabbinate late in life after 30 years in accountancy, during which he served as president of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and received an OBE for services to the profession.

To his “amazement”, he was accepted for rabbincal training by Leo Baeck College in 2002, when he was almost 59, gaining his semicha in 2007. “My wife Ruth and I had been members of Buckhurst Hill Masorti for 20 years and I was delighted to be offered the post of rabbi to the community. I have enjoyed my time as a rabbi, especially sharing life-stage events.”

Now 70, he looks forward to spending quality time with his family and a “continuing involvement in the community locally and more widely, where I can be of help and support”.

Shul co-chairs Guy Sasson and Ric Kashman said: “Michael has been so much more than a rabbi. He has been our friend, counsellor and guide and will, no doubt, continue to be so.”