A BOREHAMWOOD synagogue organised more than 200 volunteers for the largest Mitzvah Day turnout in the synagogue's history yesterday.

The Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue, in Croxdale Road joined forces with Ohr Yisrael Synagogue, in Theobald Street, Radlett United Synagogue, in Watling Street, Radlett, Yavneh College, in Hillside Avenue, Borehamwood, and several other organizations for events for the day.

There were six main events organised, which included Mitzvah Day shopping at Tesco, in Shenley Road, Borehamwood.

The nominated charity for this event was Watford New Hope Trust (WNHT), which assists the homeless and vulnerable in the area.

Led by the synagogue’s youth leader Judy Bodansky, a group of forty young people encouraged Sunday morning shoppers to show their support by purchasing an item for the Borehamwood and Elstree Mitzvah Day basket.

As a result five trolley loads of items were purchased, all of which were delivered directly to the charity representative on the day.

Fundraising director for WNHT, William Berdinner, said: “The generosity of the synagogue and community is fantastic.

“The enthusiasm of the young people was inspiring to see and their collections of food and sanitary items will benefit hundreds of homeless people in the Watford area.”

The synagogue also visited the Princess Alexandra residential home, in Stanmore, decorated gift bags for ill children and created holiday cards for the Armed Forces.

Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer said: “Mitzvah Day is a day dedicated to assisting the wider community by giving our most precious possession, our time.

“This year our synagogue was thrilled to reach out to our community partners and join the global Jewish community in a day of good deeds to help our society.

“Our efforts on this day are a small demonstration of the importance of wider social responsibility which our faith aims to bring into our everyday lives. Mitzvah Day truly brings this concept to life.”

Newly appointed associate rabbi, Rabbi Boruch Boudilovsky, said: “I was extremely pleased to be able to experience the lively, vibrant nature of the Borehamwood and Elstree community on Mitzvah Day and was staggered at the numbers of individuals who volunteered to give some of their time.

“I truly believe that one cannot underestimate the value of even a few hours of an individual’s time to someone in need of a little extra support. We look forward to further contributing to this meaningful day next year.”