A Whetstone synagogue has announced the appointment of a new associate rabbi.

Sha’arei Tsedek Reform Synagogue in Oakleigh Road has appointed Rabbi Judith Levitt as its new associate rabbi.

Rabbi Levitt, who will join the synagogue in August, has previously served at Westminster Synagogue as its head of education, where she developed and delivered education programmes to students of all ages.

As part of her new role, Rabbi Levitt will act as headteacher of the upper-school part of the synagogue’s religion school.

She will be responsible for planning, developing and delivering education programmes, as well as carrying out pastoral duties and leading services with the synagogue's other rabbis.

Rabbi Colin Eimer and Linda Cooke of the Synagogue Council said they were delighted to announce the appointment.

In a joint statement they said: “This appointment is an important development for our community and is the result of extensive consultations regarding rabbinic and education provision at Sha’arei Tsedek. The search has been an exhaustive one, with candidates from both home and abroad being considered.

"We are confident that in Rabbi Levitt we have found a creative, skillful and energetic rabbi who will rapidly become a respected and valued member of our rabbinic team and of our community.”