John de Lange, 77, a retired shoe-shop owner from North Finchley, will blow the shofar at Lady Sarah Cohen House during Rosh Hashanah. He is one of a volunteer team that runs the shul at the Friern Barnet nursing home
Why Lady Sarah Cohen House?
The home opened in 1996 and I was asked to help with services.
What does your volunteering involve?
I am the shammas - I lead the Shabbat service and read the Torah. We like to have singing and make the services joyful. There is an active congregation of 50 or 60 residents and we encourage them to take part.
What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer?
I enjoy going to shul at Lady Sarah Cohen House as I feel as if I am doing something for others. At Rosh Hashanah I will be blowing the shofar both in shul and for residents on every floor - that gives me pleasure.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
Many great moments have made me feel this is worthwhile. One man who hadn't spoken in years came into shul. We called him up and he said the blessing. It was a miracle.
Nominate a volunteer to honour: community@thejc.com