My husband, Steve, and I joined the synagogue in 1981, just as the community moved to its High Street site in Southgate. We were looking for a synagogue that was not only a place of worship but also a growing, welcoming community in which to raise our young family, and we quickly found exactly that.

Over the years, I have been privileged to contribute to many aspects of synagogue life, both as a volunteer and as a member of staff. I helped establish family and children’s activities, including Mishpachah groups and Shabbat and festival programmes, and later qualified as an Early Years and Religion School teacher through Leo Baeck College before completing a BA in Early Childhood Education at Middlesex University.

I joined the staff at Alonim (Pre School Nursery) in 1983, becoming Head Teacher in 1991, and later also served as Head Teacher of the Religion School. It has been a privilege to help nurture generations of children and families within our community.

Throughout the years, I have also been involved in many other areas of synagogue life, including our Kiddush team, children’s services, Rosh Chodesh group, community events and hospitality. Since retiring, I have continued to support the congregation through our Chesed (welfare) group and by welcoming local schools to the synagogue to learn about Judaism and Jewish festivals.

Sha’arei Tsedek has been at the heart of our family’s life for more than four decades. I have made lifelong friendships here and feel incredibly fortunate to have shared so many special moments with our community. I look forward to meeting many more members in the years ahead, so if you see me around the synagogue, please do come and say hello.