Leeds family educators Yossi and Miriam Saunders got off to an encouraging start with a 300 attendance at a pre-Chanucah party on Sunday held under the auspices of local Orthodox synagogues and educational organisations.

A free popcorn machine and a Q&A on the meaning of the festival proved popular with the younger guests at the Brodetsky School venue.

The United Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Daniel Levy said the Saunders family had “worked incredibly hard getting to know the community. In a very short time they have pulled off this phenomenally successful event.

“In the 13 years I have been in Leeds, I’ve never been to an event that has engaged so many young children and their parents in a religious and social context.”