WOMEN of all different cultures put their differences aside at a “powerful” cooking class designed to bridge the gap between religions.

Food for the Soul was held at Finchley Reform Synagogue, in Fallow Park Avenue, on Sunday and saw Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Jain women of all ages come together.

Although the event had been organized for months, it was all the more poignant in light of the terror attacks in Paris and Beirut last week which claimed the lives of hundreds.

Organiser Claire Berson said: “In light of last week’s events, we realized it is more important than ever to be united and celebrate diversity.

“It gave it a very strong, powerful and intense feeling. People were just happy to be there, it was such a lovely atmosphere.

“We were all proud of our heritage and the fact that even though we are different, we are all bound by food because we all need to eat.

The meal was a vegetarian, egg-free kosher and halal dish which was cooked on the night by the people who attended. They cooked ten Mediterranean style dishes and baked bread.

It was such a success she now hopes to make Food for Soul a regular event for women, mothers, children and grandmothers.

The idea was brought to life by Lynn Radnedge, who represents Churches Together in Finchley and Philip Davidson, the Rector of St Mary at Finchley and Jewish mother Shelly Berlinsky.

Ms Berson came up with the idea after completing a similar project feeding homeless people.

Ms Berson added: “Really, it was phenomenal. The food was so colourful and good friendships were made. Women came in traditional clothes from their cultures. Everyone was raving about it.

“We are all the same, so there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be friends.”