THE newly-elected president of the Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue has hailed the organisation as one of the fastest growing synagogue communities in the UK.

Barry Hyman says the popularity of the organisation, which has grown from a group of families who met up in their own homes, is down to "dedication and hard work".

The synagogue, in Watling Street, Radlett, currently has 600 registered members, a far cry from the 16 families that would meet in houses nearly 40 years ago.

With a range of activities and a focus on education, the synagogue now has two full-time rabbis and actively works with other faiths in the community.

President Barry Hyman said: “To be given the title of president is a huge honour. It gives me the opportunity to offer advice and experience if it is needed. In this position I can give the view of somebody who is not involved in the day to day running of the synagogue.

"We have volunteers who are prepared to put in a huge amount of effort in for the synagogue. A lot of work has been done to educate the younger people. Over the last ten years the community has grown and grown.”

Mr Hyman, a past chairman of the organisation, was elected by the synagogue council on May 19.