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This is the first in a series of guest posts on reactions from religious communities toward newly appointed British prime minister Theresa May.

Such is the nervous disposition of British Jews when it comes to matters of security and antisemitism, that any change of government and Prime Minister is bound to raise concerns. But not on this occasion. Theresa May’s track-record of supporting the Jewish community has been exemplary.

As Home Secretary she had first-hand experience of dealing with the key security issues which are of such importance at our schools and synagogues. And in almost every instance she provided complete reassurance.

When she spoke in March at the annual fundraising dinner of the Community Security Trust – which monitors antisemitism in this country  – the reception was especially warm. That may not be a surprise given that Mrs May had just announced an additional £13 million of government funding for the charity.

There were excited whispers around the dinner table as people debated the potential for Mrs May to end up in Downing Street depending on how the EU referendum played out.

One senior Jewish community figure told me, in delighted tones, this week that as Home Secretary she had been “straightforward, honest and constructive” to deal with. Her appointment as Prime Minister was seen as a significant boon for the community.

There are frequent examples of the friendship and solidarity she has shown towards Anglo-Jewry in recent years.

When Mrs May attended a Board of Deputies of British Jews meeting in January last year and held a sign declaring “Je Suis Juif” just days after the atrocity at the Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket in Paris, some thought it was merely opportunistic.

But 18 months later, it looks like a heartfelt gesture from a senior minister who could easily have been elsewhere on a Sunday morning after the turmoil and terror in France.

At a synagogue event to mark Israel’s independence day last year, Mrs May celebrated that country’s technological achievements and avoided substantial discussion of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

There was an appearance at the annual Mitzvah Day event marking the contribution of volunteers. On that occasion she helped cook for homeless Muslims alongside Jewish community members.

And of course there are personal relationships too. Rabbi Jonathan Romain, of the Maidenhead Synagogue in Mrs May’s constituency, described her as “warm, friendly and steely”, a combination of qualities which have encouraged Jews. She may be pleasant to deal with, but the new Prime Minister is no pushover.

The rabbi’s view is an important one. Mrs May is, of course, herself an active Anglican and daughter of a vicar.

My suspicion is that working with a politician who has faith actually increases Jews’ trust and respect in that person. While spin doctor Alastair Campbell's advice to Tony Blair that "we don't do God" still largely holds firm in UK politics, it goes without saying that in British Jewry we very much do “do God”.

I do not think anyone – Jewish or otherwise – would actively encourage a Prime Minister to indulge in outward displays of their religious beliefs, or promote policies based on biblical texts. But belief, respect and tolerance go a long way with us.

At last year’s Downing Street party to mark the festival of Chanukah, Mrs May was called on to stand-in for David Cameron and light the menorah alongside the Chief Rabbi. Neither she nor the friendly crowd gathered round the special candelabra could have imaged that in 2016 she would be repeating the feat as Prime Minister herself.

I suspect that away from the politics, concentrating on specific Jewish issues, our community will be encouraged by this practicing Christian’s presence behind the big black door of Britain’s best-known terraced house.

The views in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Theos or its associates.

Marcus Dysch is assistant news editor of the Jewish Chronicle

Image from flickr.com available under Creative Commons license