An Edgware Yeshurun congregant has become the first woman to speak at the Federation of Synagogues council.

Miriam Gitlin addressed the council after it finally agreed to permit women to attend and speak at its quarterly meetings — they are not allowed to vote. Sitting alongside Mrs Gitlin was Karen Dworkin, who was also elected recently by Edgware Yeshurun to join its seven male representatives. The Edgware shul has long campaigned for the Federation to more fully recognise the contribution of women.

Also in attendance were women representatives from Ilford, Clapton, Finchley Central, Elstree’s Ohr Yisrael and Hampstead’s Shomrei Hadath Federation synagogues.

Explained Federation chief executive Dr Eli Keinwald: “The whole picture regarding women’s representation on both synagogue boards of management and on the central council is still evolving.

“At the moment, we are looking forward to the outcome of the current deliberations by our Beth Din and honorary officers, which will hopefully be brought to a conclusion early next year.”