There were tributes from religious and political leaders when than 700 people gathered together to wish a long-serving rabbi a happy retirement.

On Sunday July 17, friends, family and other religious dignities visit the Colosseum Theatre, Watford, to celebrate the life of Rabbi Meir Salasnik.

Rabbi Meir Salasnik is and his wife Judy are due to retire in September and move to Israel later this year after completing 37 years’ service at Bushey United Synagogue.

Family, friends, members of his congregation and guests gathered at Watford’s Colosseum on Sunday for a This Is Your Life-style evening of tributes.

Among them was one from former Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, who applied for the Bushey vacancy at the same time as Rabbi Salasnik and admitted “the better man won”.

Robbie Low, the parish priest who spent 15 years at nearby across the road from Bushey shul at St Peter’s Church in Bushey Heath, travelled back from Cornwall to present a special book, The Jews of Cornwall, to Rabbi Salasnik.

Watford FC sent a 1979 football shirt - the year Rabbi Salasnik came to Bushey - signed by the 2016 squad with SALASNIK 37 printed on the back.

MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden gave his own tribute and also brought with him a letter from former Prime Minister David Cameron.

Rabbi Salasnik is a former chairman of the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue and has former been secretary of the Chief Rabbi’s Cabinet.

At the end of the evening United Synagogue president Stephen Pack paid tribute to Rabbi Salasnik’s long and dedicated service, not just to Bushey but also to the United Synagogue.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also paid a personal tribute to the rabbi, who he said is loved by his community and will be “sorely missed”.

Earlier in the evening, two of the Salasniks’ sons, their daughters-in-law and five grandchildren had sent a video message from Israel saying how sorry they were that they could not join the celebrations. But in fact the family had flown more than 3,000 three thousand miles to get there.

Rabbi Salasnik said: “Judy and I were so moved by the love, respect and warmth that was shown to us by so many people. The surprises, generous tributes and, of course, to see our family from Israel, who we were not expecting to come over, capped an amazing evening.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to the organising committee for putting on such a once-in-a-lifetime event.”

During the evening tributes were given by a diverse number of people who have known and worked with Rabbi Salasnik during his time in Bushey paying tribute School friend from more than 50 years, Rabbo Eliezer Pruim said Rabbi Salasnik was a wonderful friend and how they remain good friends today.

Eitan N’eh, Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UK, welcomed the Salasniks to Israel with a 20-step guide to how to living in Israel, including leaving one’s tuxedo in England, tips about queuing, and not wearing socks with sandals! He ended by saying: “Bushey’s loss is Israel’s gain.”