A Rabbi has told of how a synagogue opened ten years after the liberation of Auschwitz has experienced “so much growth and vitality” in its 60 year history.

Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road, Borehamwood, was opened in 1955 and has been a pillar of the Jewish community since then.

Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz invited more than 300 members to celebrate the synagogue’s achievements over the past six decades with a cocktail party on Saturday, January 31.

Rabbi Kanterovitz joined the congregation more than a year ago and says he has enjoyed getting to know the community.

He said: “It’s a real privilege coming into a community that’s experienced so much growth and vitality like never in its history.

“The synagogue was build ten years after Auschwitz was liberated. There’s a very close link between Holocaust survivors and the synagogue. I myself am a third generation survivor.

“It’s very much in our minds, but we as the community are strong and dynamic – and that’s the answer to our enemies.”

People from all ages and generations came to celebrate the synagogue’s successes at the cocktail party.

During the evening, details of the synagogue’s new twinning project with the Israeli village of Shtula were discussed.

Emeritus Rabbi Alan Plancey also attended the celebrations.

Rabbi Kanterovitch added: “It was a stunning night, it was wonderful to see so many people from across the community join us. It’s nice to see that they feel they belong here.

“I am looking forward to the events and activities we’ve got planned next year – it’s going to be phenomenal.”