In the belief that “together we can accomplish more than might be possible individually”, six smaller United Synagogue communities in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire have been sharing problems, discussing issues of mutual interest and planning joint events.

Initially comprising Watford, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Potters Bar and Shenley, the group called itself the Five of Herts.They were soon joined by Luton, prompting a name change to the Five of Herts + One. Although the US has convened meetings of Hertfordshire communities in the past, the smaller shuls felt they had little in common with super-sized congregations such as Borehamwood and Elstree or Bushey.

Welwyn shul chair Reynold Rosenberg said: “We need to persuade people — especially young marrieds with families — that there is flourishing Jewish life out here.”