A landmark bar- and batmitzvah ceremony at Shenfield and Brentwood Liberal Synagogue attracted a congregation of more than 200. Jamie Levy and Alice Radford were the celebrants and it was the first time a bar- or batmitzvah had been held by the congregation, founded less than three years ago. Liberal Judaism chief executive Rabbi Danny Rich led the service and the shul’s chair — and Alice’s mother — Natasha Radford gave an address.

Rabbi Rich said afterwards: “It was an immense privilege to officiate. The standard of Hebrew reading was excellent, the kiddush was superlative and I am amazed how far this fledgling community has come in a couple of years.”