Hundreds of volunteers came together for an annual day of doing good deeds in the community.

Bushey Synagogue celebrated Mitzvah Day last Sunday (November 19), with people taking part in more than 15 projects including a collection for the Bushey food bank and helping tend to the gardens at the New Hope Trust homeless shelter.

Another highlight of the day was a musical afternoon tea, attended by 100 people, who were entertained by youngsters, some as young as 3 as well as the Bushey Brownies.

Rabbi Elchonon Feldman also took part in the sing-song.

Volunteers also helped out at Watford General Hospital, and worked alongside the Church of St Peter to tackle loneliness, visiting isolated members of the community with cakes and gifts.

Mitzvah Day organiser Alisa Heimann said: “There was a great buzz around Bushey this year with so many members of Bushey Synagogue giving up their time to help make a difference to someone else’s life.”

Sandra Hirsch, who has lived in Bushey for 10 years said: “It was a wonderful afternoon and such a joy to see so many boys and girls providing such lovely entertainment.”

Radlett Reform Synagogue also marked Mitzvah Day and Jewish charity Norwood participated in an event at the Radlett Reform Cheder.

Children at the Cheder made 80 fruit and vegetable salad boxes which will be donated to homelessness charity Sufra. They also raised over £220.

On November 17, Bushey synagogue were “honoured” to receive a special visit from the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire, Will Hobhouse and his wife Kate, together with the Mayor of Hertsmere, Charles Goldstein.

The High Sheriff, who traditionally represents the monarchy in all matters relating to law and order and has done so for 1000 years, spent time finding out about Bushey's interfaith, charitable and outreach programmes with Rabbi, Feldman, Synagogue Chair Sas Ezekiel, and many of the volunteers.