A synagogue is preparing for a Jewish holiday by teaming up with an charity to warm hearts in the cold weather.

Members of Bushey Synagogue helped Hertfordshire based charity Small Acts of Kindness pack winter warming bags for the elderly.

The volunteering was in preparation for the Jewish holiday of Mitzvah Day, where worshippers are encouraged to donate their time to helping the community on Sunday, November 19.

The charity will pack and distribute Warm in Winter care packages, including a hat, blanket, warm socks, cup-a-soups and hot drinks sachets to more than 3,000 elderly people in Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere.

The people receiving packages are often lonely and isolated, so the small packages can have a big impact on their wellbeing.

Bushey Synagogue’s Mitzvah Day co-coordinator Sarah Zackheim said: “Our members had an extremely rewarding time packing the Warm in Winter bags today.

“Small Acts of Kindness really fits in with the general Mitzvah Day message this year ‘from generation to generation’ and we can’t wait to embark on the rest of Bushey Synagogue’s projects on Mitzvah Day itself towards the end of November.

“These include a seniors and juniors joint tea and an interfaith project with St Peters Church visiting elderly members of their community.”