OLD Bailey judge Martyn Zeidman QC was among the guests of honour when members of a synagogue held an evening of discussion.

Chigwell & Hainault Synagogue, in Limes Avenue, Chigwell, invited members and guests to hear talks on everything from Jewish Theatreland to The Beauty and Danger of Memory Mr Zeidman a circuit judge specialising in criminal cases at Snaresbrook Crown Court and the Old Bailey, gave the keynote speech on The Tragedy of Crime: are Judges too Soft?

Other speakers included Rachel Kosky, and John Thei who are trained City of London guides, and Dr Rafi Zarum who is chief executive of the London School of Jewish Studies.

The idea of holding debate evenings was brought to the synagogue by members Howard Stanton and his wife Pat, who set up a Trust to support the venture.

Rabbi Baruch Davis decided to call the event L'Chaim, or To Life, adding: “I wanted to combine the benefits of Jewish learning with the opportunity for the whole community, and beyond, to get together in a social and relaxed setting.”