Luciana Berger joins present wrappers for Mitzvah Day

"That's why events like this are all the more important, for us to come together and show what we have in common, rather than what divides us."

The gift-wrapped books will go to children at the Salusbury World Refugee Centre in Queen's Park.

Rabbi Danny Rich, Liberal Judaism's chief executive, was also supporting the wrapping session. "Of course we should be doing mitzvot all of the time," he observed. "But it's the one day where we make sure all our communities are making an effort.

"We've had people from our Finchley synagogue clearing Highgate Cemetery this morning and another group singing for residents at a care home. Everyone can do something.

"It's a bit like the old Jewish communal chest idea - however poor you were, you had to give something. You might get back more from the communal chest than you put in but everybody took part."

Sarah Reynold, manager of the refugee centre, said: "We're lucky to have been beneficiaries for two years.

"Last year, we were completely knocked out by the generosity and the sheer quality and volume of books we received. It made such a difference to the kids. I just love the fact it's an interfaith initiative."

Among those from other faiths was church minister Rev Maggie Hindley, who pointed out: "When people come together to do something for other people, it's very easy to form relationships and just get on as friends."