Getting into the spirit of Shabbat UK, families in Links Drive, Elstree - all stalwarts of Elstree Shtiebel - held an impromptu Friday night party. They invited Jewish friends and neighbours from the road and adjoining Barham Avenue, as well as fellow shtiebel congregants. More than 100 people crowded into one house for candle lighting and Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by kiddush and starters in another home, main course in a third and a dessert course hosted by a fourth family.

Elsewhere in the town, Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in conjunction with the local Rambam Sephardi congregation, topped off a Shabbat UK programme of Friday night family dinners, special services and speakers with a havdalah and fireworks party at Yavneh College. More than 500 people joined the musical havdalah service led by Rabbi Chaim Kanterovitz and the ensuing singing and dancing.