Cardiff United was the only synagogue in England and Wales legally empowered to hold a service last Shabbat, following the ending of the Welsh 17-day “firebreak” lockdown.

Shul chair Lisa Gerson said it was a “sobering but reassuring thought to know that we will be the only shul open”.

During the lockdown, members kept up spirits — and raised funds — through an online mock presidential election to coincide with the US poll. It was organised with Ziona, the youth branch of Wizo, and saw participants take on the roles of Donald and Melania Trump and Joe and Jill Biden. The audience voted on the best speech.

Ms Gerson reported that “after one of the most closely fought contests in memory, the decision came down to just one vote and Donald Trump was victorious [in Cardiff at least].”

The evening raised more than £200 for a Wizo care centre in Ashkelon for the children of front-line workers.

The synagogue also hosted a Remembrance Sunday service via Zoom where participants included Cardiff North Labour MP Anna McMorrin.