For the last three days, our team have been chronicling the landmark visit of the Sephardi Chief Rabbi of Israel, known as the Rishon LeZion, to London. The current Rishon LeZion is Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, and he bases his rulings on Jewish law on many of his father’s teaching as well as his own. Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef’s books are considered foundational among large sectors of Sephardi Jews in Israel and around the world.

In Israel, the Rabbinate has jurisdiction over many aspects of Jewish life and is part of the national judicial system. This position is far from simply a symbolic one, and the esteem in which he is held throughout the world is immense.

This was the Rishon LeZion’s first visit to London, hosted by our great friends at S&P, the Sephardi community. Senior Rabbi Joseph Dweck and Dayan Yaron Navon, the new Rosh Beth Din, proudly showed many aspects of their vibrant community to the Rishon LeZion.

On the first day we were privileged to document his Shiur to the community at Lauderdale Road Synagogue, and a private reception for esteemed British Rabbis at the home of the incredible Rabbi Joseph Dweck. The following morning we were back in Maida Vale for morning prayers followed by the Conference of Sephardi Rabbis, at which the Rishon LeZion gave some words of wisdom and answered many questions put to him, always with incredible insight and often with good humour too. Day three saw us at the magnificent Bevis Marks Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Great Britain and a true jewel in the crown of European Jewry. There, the Rishon LeZion gave a speech to invited guests who were also treated to a beautiful reception and a tour of the synagogue by Rabbi Shalom Morris. The Rishon LeZion was invited to sit in the legendary Moses Montefiore’s chair, which is roped off and reserved only for Royalty and Heads of State.

A special mention must go to Edward Howard, Alison Rosen, Andrea Silverman and everybody at S&P – we have witnessed their tireless work behind the scenes to make this visit such a resounding success. Here are a few of our favourite shots from a wonderful three days, starting with Monday evening at Lauderdale Road Synagogue…

The Rishon LeZion then sat with invited guests at the home of Rabbi Dweck…

On Tuesday morning we were back at Lauderdale Road Synagogue for morning prayers and the Conference of Sephardi Rabbis…

Wednesday Evening at Bevis Marks Synagogue, a special mention for Amanda, who created many of these beautiful images…