I arrived just as the choir was warming up.

In the magnificent hall, with its ornately decorated ceiling, the amplified sound of singing welcomed me. People came over to say hello, hugs were exchanged and outfits admired. As the service started, and my temperature started to come down, I paused for thought.

Because this wasn’t a regular Shabbat service at my local synagogue, It was actually a church service in Tottenham where my father had lived as a child, and where I was delighted this Sunday, to be a guest.

With my privileged front row seat I was able to follow the service and note the familiarities and the unfamiliarities.

Announcements were definitely familiar. A reminder to come along to help at the food bank, a call for volunteers to befriend lonely neighbours, and a special welcome for a young man in the midst of his studies and a little girl celebrating turning eight. I could easily be back at my synagogue.

Ham & High: Laura Marks was a guest in a religious service held in TottenhamLaura Marks was a guest in a religious service held in Tottenham (Image: Laura Marks)

The question and answer session was less familiar. Now up on the stage, the pastor asking me questions about Judaism, Jewish life in London and relationships between Jews and Christians.

Whilst the different theology is interesting, and the interpretation of scripture stimulating, I returned to the basics and the fundamentals of why caring for our neighbours matters to all of us, regardless of religion or background.

Standing there in Tottenham, in a historical hall where my father may well have attended a wedding or bar-mitzvah, I felt so welcome. Enjoying pastries and sugar laden drinks before I left reminded me once again how times may change but sharing our traditions with our neighbours remains a constant and an endless pleasure.

  • Laura Marks OBE is founder of Mitzvah Day, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and an interfaith consultant – (commongood.uk.com)