A Borehamwood shul will hold a special celebration kiddush and offer an extra ‘L’chaim’ in honour of its local football club if they win promotion to League Two at Wembley this weekend.

The community has been in a football-festive mood all week, with many set to be at the national stadium to cheer on non-league Borehamwood as they bid to become a professional club for the first time.

Hinting at the ‘distinct possibility’ of there also being a few extra prayers said just hours before kick-off, Rabbi Alex Chapper, the Community Rabbi at Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, said: “There are many members of the community who are very excited by the prospect of Boreham Wood FC being promoted and I’m certain some will be offering an extra prayer in synagogue ahead of the game.

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“We don’t have any specific plans to compose a special prayer, but would certainly send them our best wishes for success. If they are promoted we may hold a special kiddush and have an extra ‘L’chaim’ to celebrate!”

Chapper, who lives on the doorstep of the club’s Meadow Park ground, added: “I walk through the grounds on my way to synagogue on Shabbat morning. I always know when they’ve scored a goal as I can hear the crowd cheering.”

Laurence Turner is a season ticket holder, as well as the barmitzvah co-ordinator at Radlett Reform Synagogue.

Saying how his phone has been red-hot since they booked their place at Wembley from people trying to find out how they can get hold of tickets, he is also one of a group of supporters from the congregation who passionately follows the club.

He said: “We have a number of members who are season ticket holders at Meadow Park and are passionate supporters. While the synagogue doesn’t have anything special planned, I can assure you a lot of people here will be saying a little prayer hours before kick-off!”.

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