"It is the only place in town that is doing kosher food, it has the best spot on the path, and it also has a minyan," he said.
Spectators equipped with umbrellas and deck chairs arrived early to secure good positions beside the crash
barriers.
Rabbi Odom Brandman opened up the shul for the day to let them come in and have a look around - and take advantage of the facilities during the long wait for the riders to appear from Cambridge.
"It is a great opportunity to welcome the community, and great that they want to come and watch the day's events with us," he said.
Outside, student Daniel Jacobs, 16, was hoping to catch a glimpse of Bradley Wiggins. "I want Wiggo to win" he said.
His enthusiasm was undimmed when told that the 2012 champion was not competing this year. "I still think it is great to be here and get a chance to see the race."
For father and daughter Gideon and Anya Orson the day was marred by a group of onlookers objecting to the Israeli flag they were waving.
Anya said: "It wasn't so much the flag, but what flag it was. They wanted us to move and it wasn't very nice.
But Mr Orson, who works at the JW3 cultural centre, was determined not to let the incident ruin their day: "It doesn't make me feel uncomfortable," he said.
And he was pleased that the synagogue had opened its doors. "For Chabad this is a chance to show people we don't have horns, we don't bite, we are a friendly and welcoming community," he said.
Paul Hill, from nearby Loughton, agreed.
Mr Hill, who was watching with his seven-year-old daughter Becky, said: "It brings everyone together. We're not Jewish but Becky's had a look inside the synagogue and got a hot dog. If you can see the Tour and teach your children about a new community, it is a win-win day out."
