Aaron Hart, whose brother Moses was the lay leader of the community, became Rabbi of the Great Synagogue in 1704, and served until he died in office in 1756. His tenure saw a great expansion in Jewish life in Britain, and the growth of a number of small provincial communities.

These communities were often served by a single hard-worked official, who referred questions that he felt were outside his knowledge (or perhaps which required greater authority than he was able to wield) to the Rabbi of the Great Synagogue in London. His advice was also sought when appointing shochetim (responsible for the provision of Kosher meat) and other officials, and they looked to him to authorise marriages; both functions are still exercised by the Chief Rabbinate today.

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