The United Synagogue administrators' group organised a surprise lunch at their quarterly meeting at Stanmore Synagogue to honour Mary Chambers, who is celebrating 30 years in the post at Bushey.
She was presented with a bouquet on behalf of her fellow administrators by Clayhall Synagogue's Michelle Mervish before the arrival of a Bushey delegation, including minister Rabbi Meir Salasnik, for the lunch.
Bushey chair Paul Mendelsohn suggested that it was probably the first time in 30 years that the congregation had been able to arrange an event without Mrs Chambers knowing about it.
Although not Jewish, she has, down the years, acquired expert knowledge of Jewish observance and customs.