Fond farewell to rabbi

WESTERN MARBLE Arch Synagogue has paid tribute to the “habitual energy and spiritual joy” of Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld, who has retired after a long association with the Central London congregation.

He joined Western Marble Arch as chazan in 1988, returning as its rabbi in 2005 after eight years away. The shul praised Rabbi Rosenfeld and his wife Natalie as “electrifying leaders” to both members and thousands of visitors to London’s West End.

He had also been a devoted pastoral rabbi and “a passionate advocate for Israel and its right to live in peace”. He has moved to Jerusalem to be close to family.

The shul last week welcomed Rabbi Daniel and Ilana Epstein as its new rabbinic couple.

Rabbi Epstein spent seven years at Cockfosters and North Southgate Synagogue after a career in marketing and PR.

At the time of his appointment, he said he was looking forward to the challenge of leading a congregation in an area with “a slightly different demographic — more young professionals, multi-nationals passing through and students”.

The Epsteins are close friends of the Rosenfelds and the shul complimented the couples on “a seamless changing of the guard”.