More than 100 members of The Liberal Synagogue Elstree and Radlett Reform Synagogue shared a moving Kabbalat Shabbat in the open air with a wonderful picnic service.

The two congregations, who are hoping to unite into one Progressive community for Hertfordshire, sang as one in celebration and reflection.

Spencer Grant, Chair at Radlett said: “This was such a wonderful way for our synagogues to come together. We hope it is just the start of something very special and exciting for the two communities.”

And Rabbi Paul Freedman, senior Rabbi at Radlett Reform, highlighted Psalm 97:11: “‘Or zarua la-tsadik’. Light truly shone on members from both of our synagogues as we gathered for a wonderful picnic service in glorious evening sunshine.”

Others likened the event to a line by Hayim Nahman Bialik, a pioneer of modern Hebrew poetry: “The sun set on the treetops and the shadows lengthened, the picnic and conversation extended into the evening.”

The organisers called the event “a Shabbat of light and connection,” with many in the al fresco gathering describing the experience as one of the most joyful and memorable services of the year.