A Borehamwood boy had a barmitzvah party at the Jewish Care complex where his mother volunteers as a speech therapist.

Residents at the Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet received formal invitations to Mikey Wyman’s celebration and more than 60 looked on as he was called up at the centre’s Wohl Synagogue.

The Yavneh pupil sang part of his barmitzvah portion in a service conducted by Rabbi Menachem Junik, the charity’s spiritual leader.

During the subsequent tea, Mikey’s mum Naomi spoke about her volunteering at the centre and the barmitzvah boy discussed life as a 13-year-old today.

Following in his mother’s footsteps, Mikey has been visiting the centre to chat to residents and intends to continue volunteering there as part of his Yoni Jesner Award.

“I’m feeling really proud,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed my visits to the home and I’m looking forward to spending more time with the residents. I imagine lots has changed from when the residents were my age so I wanted to remind them how special a barmitzvah can be.”

Rabbi Junik said residents had told him how much it meant to receive an invitation.

“Becoming older is about gaining wisdom. Mikey has shown wisdom by bringing joy here today.”

Resident Leonard Finkle recalled that his own barmitzvah was on “the day the war broke out. We still went to shul but we didn’t have the party. I’ve really enjoyed today — it’s been really special.”

The celebration at the care home was held in advance of Mikey’s barmitzvah ceremony at Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue’s satellite congregation at Yavneh College.