RepPresentsRepPresents ISSUE 39

MAGAZINE OF THE MANCHESTER JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

EDITORIAL  FROM THE DESK OF THE LITTLE In this issue GUY WITH THE BEARD Wishing all our readers a Holocaust Memorial Day I hope you all enjoy this issue of very Happy Pesach P.2 "RepPresents," the second since I took A History of Jewish over as Publicity Officer. Philosophy P.6 Our Editorial Team, (me), Ed Moss, Filis Rosenberg and David Marks, have Mark Levy on the worked very hard on this. Political Landscape P.8 In particular, a huge thank you must go Diversity in the Community to Ed Moss, for his fantastic new design P.11 and all the extreme hard work he has Saying Kaddish at the put in doing the layout. We greatly Seder photo courtesy of Phil Goodwin Palace P.12 appreciate this. I can't believe how quickly my first year in office is going. It has been an honour being an officer of The JRC and being involved in many interesting and who played a selection of welcome worthwhile ventures, representing our wonderfully vibrant Manchester Jewish music, as well as entertain the guests community. later in the evening. I will always be in debt to my dear, late Angela Epstein was once again host good friend, Rabbi Tony Walker ZL, who for the evening. She welcomed got me involved and has given me such Jewish Telegraph managing editor a rewarding way to remember him by. Some 400 guests attended the Paul Harris, who delivered the The highlight of the last few months, Manchester Jewish Community welcome speech. for me, was attending The Prince of Awards, a joint initiative between Wales's Jewish Community Reception, the Jewish Representative Council, Rabbi Daniel Walker from Heaton with several other Manchester Jewish Telegraph and JVN, the Park Synagogue read out a message delegates, in December. Jewish Volunteering Network. on behalf of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Having been involved with The Prince's Mirvis. Trust for 16 years, in the past, it was the It took place on Tuesday 3rd third time I have been to Buckingham December 2019 at the Hilton Suite, Chair of the judging panel, David Place and the eighth time I have met . The event was originally Berkley QC, then explained the His Royal Highness. the brainchild of Barbara Goldstone judging process and thanked the At the Reception, I was able to enlist his during her time as President of the judging panel. help, in getting me involved with The Prince's Trust again in Manchester and Council. Thanks were given to the young he kindly helped arrange this for me. Acknowledgement was given to volunteers from the 401st Scouts, This added to the amazing evening for Barbara by the President, Russell Guides and JLGB who helped meet me, when it was a real humbling Conn during the evening. It was felt and greet guests and escorted all the privilege to be a delegate of our that she would be extremely proud winners onto the stage. fabulous community. how this event has developed since As I always tell my students, Russell Conn gave a vote of thanks "everything always takes longer than then. and invited all the nominees who did you think" and I again thank our Prior to the main event, guests not receive an award but were Editorial Team for the hours of work attended the Market Place, an they put in, to bring this Pesach issue to shortlisted, to come onto the stage opportunity for many communal you. to be presented with their organisations to promote their roles We all hope you certificates by Russell and Paul and recruit volunteers. enjoy it !!! Harris. Together with all Guests were welcomed to the hall my colleagues, I by A-level music students from King The award winners are featured on wish you a happy David High School under the pages 4 and 5 of this edition of and kosher Pesach !!! guidance of teacher Olivia Shields, RepPresents. R. Graham Gordon Publicity Officer RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 1 Holocaust Memorial Day REMEMBRANCE 27 January 2020 SUNDAY SALFORD

#Wewillrememberthem It was an honour to represent Filis Rosenberg reports on the GMCA’s the community at recognition of Holocaust Memorial Day Remembrance Sunday in 2020 Salford, writes Jay Charara. THE JRC REPRESENTED THE COMMUNITY AT 14 The combination of music played by a Royal Over two thousand people of the HMD EVENTS Northern College of Music quartet, and the attended this moving ceremony wonderful voice of Cantor Avrom Aronson, including the Queen’s HELD in GREATER added to an already emotional atmosphere at representatives, all the armed MANCHESTER the Greater Manchester HMD event held at The Goulburn Suite, at Manchester Hall. forces, veterans, faith leaders, politicians, police and The audience was welcomed by the High emergency services and many, Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mr Mark many members of the public. Adlestone OBE DL. and addressed by The Mayor of Manchester Mr Andy Burnham, and The JRC President was in Rabbi Daniel Walker. Manchester, our Chair in Bury, They sat enthralled when Holocaust Survivor and Officers and executives Icek Alterman told them of his experiences. represented the Council across Greater Manchester. There were readings honouring those who had suffered in such places as Srebrenica and Susan Isaacs was in Unsworth, pledges were made to ‘never forget’ and to Graham Gordon and Jeremy take responsibility to continue to educate and Michelson in Prestwich, Sandra to fight these evils. Stewart in Hale Barns and Much appreciated refreshments followed Michael Rubinstein in what was naturally a very moving experience. Whitefield.

Russell is seen here with Sir Ben Helfgott one of the Windermere Children and Gillian Merron, CEO of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, at the HMD event held in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Israeli Ambassador Mark Regev spoke and introduced Dominic Raab Foreign Secretary. Eva Shloss a survivor told her story. It was without doubt one of the best of the five HMD events I have attended. Report by Russell Conn

2 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 “The hole in the roof is part of the design EUROPEAN and not an accident” So said Rabbi Daniel Walker as CANTORS in the guests walked in to the succah as part of the Jewish Hannover Representative Council . . . with Alex Klein, Convenor interfaith succah dinner. For many years now members We became and grew into the of the Jewish Representative position of non-political Jewish Council have been invited to Ambassadors throughout our trip. events celebrating the festivals of other faiths, and the officers We sang for VIPs and both the Jewish felt that it would be and non-Jewish world embraced and particularly appropriate in this, applauded us. our centenary year, to reciprocate. The natural and unnatural Mitzvot we undertook with open hearts will The problem is that on most festivals it is forbidden to work always remain in our minds. ride . which means that those days Now admittedly, it’s difficult for But we have broad shoulders. (I had already said are not ideal for hosting an others to understand, especially in the to my executive that it was my responsibility, my event. This left just Chol UK. We “achdut”; we were on an vision and that I would accept the blame if it didn’t Hamoed Pesach or Succot; because of the limitation of unbelievable emotional roller coaster work.) food on Pesach, Succot was But work it did. Even better than we chosen. Alex with some of the Cantors could imagine. Everyone on the So we ended up having an same page, praying to the same G-d. interfaith succah dinner on A truly outstanding success. Chol Hamoed Succot in the beautiful succah at Heathlands We have now been asked to return village. to Hannover. And we have been Guests from all different asked to hold our Convention in at religions were given a superb least three major cities. three course meal catered by the Heathlands’ team whilst However, the UK, with its “movers Rabbi Walker explained to the and shakers” yet remains our assembled guests the biggest obstacle . significance of the succah and They seem not to get it. So if you get the arba minimum . it, please do email me! The evening also provided an opportunity for members of Alex Klein - Convenor the different faiths to socialise with one and other in a relaxed atmosphere showing that that we had more in common than separated us. At the end of the evening Rev Roger Govender MBE Dean of Manchester gave a speech of thanks to the hosts on behalf of the guests. One indication of how successful the event was, could be seen by the fact that most of those invited stayed on long after the formal proceedings had ended. The Representative Council is hoping that there will be similar events in future years.

Report by Jacky Burchsbaum, Chair of the JRC

RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 3 Lifetime Achievement Award - Mr Frank Baigel

An individual who has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the Jewish community, who is still actively involved and who has, over a sustained period of time, shaped the communal sector through their actions, leadership or intellect. Has had a significant impact and demonstrated a long-term commitment for 40 years or longer.

Young Volunteer of the Year - Hannah Filton Barrett and Oliver Radivan (under-18 joint winners), Hinda Perez (18-25 winner)

A young individual under the age of 18 who is not only actively involved in the voluntary sector, but who has also excelled in a leadership role as part of their involvement in the Jewish voluntary sector, inspiring their peers and acting as a role model for other young people involved in volunteering.

Communal Employee of the Year - Beverley Rubin (Fundraising and Marketing Manager, The Friendship Circle); Highly Commended - Juliette Pearce (The Fed)

An outstanding employee and inspiration to colleagues, going beyond the terms of their job description in the delivery of services to beneficiaries, making a significant impact and demonstrating clear achievements.

Friend of the Community - Dr Girdari Bhan (Co-chair of the Hindu Jewish Association)

An individual who has helped or supported the community in an exceptional manner but who is not themselves a member of the Jewish faith. Someone understanding and appreciative of the needs of Jewish institutions, organisations and individuals, recognising the value the Jewish community adds to wider British society, playing an important role as a supporter and an advocate of all it has to offer.

Volunteer of the Year Award - Rosemary Taylor Highly commended - Marvyn Dytch, Vikki Goldstein, Rebecca Abeles and Howard Sternberg An individual actively involved and has made an outstanding contribution to the Jewish voluntary sector with one or more organisations or individuals and is an inspiration not only to the volunteers whom they work with but to their peers and service users. An ‘unsung hero/heroine’, who volunteers their time and commitment willingly to a charity or charities, or to individuals who might simply need a helping hand.

4 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 All Award photographs courtesy Special Recognition Award - Richard Walker, Linda Jacobs, Zena Sneddon, Dov and Elaine Hamburger, Mr Louis Rappaport, Sonny Warner MBE; Highly Commended - Victoria Cooper and Dina Weinberg

An individual, group or organisation perhaps not qualifying for any other category but deserving special recognition for an outstanding contribution to the Jewish community.

Building Bridges Organisation - League of Jewish Women, North West

An organisation that has built bridges between the Manchester Jewish Community and other faith communities or has undertaken inter- community work to bring different strands of the Manchester Jewish community together. For example, building a project that removes barriers and encourages mutual understanding; for facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange; for social action activities; or for supporting an interfaith initiative.

Building Bridges individual - Michael Marks. Highly commended - Rabbi Robyn Ashworth Steen

An individual who has built bridges between the Manchester Jewish Community and other faith communities, or, who has undertaken inter-community work to bring different strands of the Manchester Jewish community together. These awards may be for building a project, which removes barriers and encourages mutual understanding; for facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange; for social action activities; or for supporting an interfaith initiative.

Volunteer Team of the year - My Voice Volunteer Team, The Fed Highly Commended – The Fed Drop-In Mental Health Volunteer Team and The Supper Club

A team’s volunteering effort working on behalf of and/or within one organisation. We are looking for a group that has demonstrated good teamwork, which works together to fulfil the aims of the organisation and their specific role.

All Award photographs courtesy RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 5 Quincy Barrett (of Manchester A History of Jewish philosophy Grammar School, and a JRC no mark on rabbinic Judaism (probably Publicity Working Group member ) due to his allegorical reading of the explores the history of Jewish Torah). Philosophy from biblical claims to Now we fast forward 1100 years for the modern day rabbis. first Jewish enlightenment, supported by the Islamic golden age, and enters the century would never have kicked off. exception to the rule, Maimonides Scanning over Mendelssohn (kickstarter of (Rambam in Hebrew). I say exception the Haskalah, Ashkenazi Jewish because Maimonides managed to enlightenment), Marx (creator of influence both secular philosophy and communism) and Herzl (father of rabbinic Judaism. Maimonides is such a Zionism), we come to sit comfortably with giant that one of his books, 'Guide for the the modern Jewish philosophers which Perplexed' is studied in both secular As a 17 year old student one of the first include a range of people covering all universities and yeshivot (rabbinic things anyone asks me, whether family areas of philosophy, along with my own colleges). He is possibly most noted for or friend, butcher or baker, is "what A- favourite philosopher Franz Rosenzweig at his integration and acceptance of science levels are you doing?" At which point I the turn of the 20th-Century. He, after in terms of religion, seeing them not as a have that awkward silence where one having chosen to convert to Christianity, dichotomy but as a duality. forgets the one thing that's on the top of went to one final Yom Kippur service and their tongue. However, there is one Although accepted today, this caused his rediscovered his Jewish faith going on to subject I tend not to forget: philosophy. books to be burnt with Ashkenazi Rabbis write his 'Star of Redemption' becoming There are many reasons for its denouncing him. Despite this, the Jewish the 'father of Jewish existentialism' (study evergreen presence in my mind, golden age lead to an exponential growth of the place of oneself in the universe). probably the first of which is its inherent in influential Jewish philosophers. After he died at the young age of 42 in connection to my Judaism. This next philosopher, like Maimonides, 1926, Germany, that had been the centre The history of Jewish philosophy is rich was also of Spanish and Portuguese of modern Jewish philosophy, went Nazi and multifaceted. As Jewish philosophy descent. Baruch Spinoza is often referred leaving a short gap in modern Jewish possibly has the oldest origins of all to as one of the three great Rationalists philosophy. philosophies studied today, by virtue of (an understanding of knowledge) of the Within orthodox rabbinical philosophy it stemming from Judaism (whose 17th-century enlightenment. Living in there is an interesting thought experiment contested definition is not worth getting Amsterdam, his secular ideas were so called the 4 rabbi experiment. It imagines into now). Arguably the oldest Jewish controversial that by the age of 23 he had what each of the 4 greatest philosophical philosopher is Abraham himself, being been excommunicated (charem) from the minds of the last rabbinic age would have the first person in the Torah to switch community and his family. His impact on responded to the Shoah (Holocaust). The 4 from polytheism (faith in many deities) the philosophical world was so powerful were, Rav Kook, Rav Soloveitchik, the to monotheism (faith in one G-d). The that he influenced some of the great Lubavitcher Rebbe and Rav Shach. Their Tanach (bible) is surprisingly empty modern philosophers, including answers are too complex for this article when it comes to philosophers in the Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Hegel and but the fact is that each one represents a modern sense of the word, but the many more. different influential rabbinic philosophical actions and beliefs from the Tanach Sadly he died at the age of 44 in 1677, 30 movement in the last 100 years. branch out and have affected all corners years before the next great Jewish Modern Jewish philosophers range from of philosophy. So if the Written Law's philosopher: Moshe Chaim Luzzatto all aspects but arguably the most well- philosophy is hidden, philosophy (Ramchal in Hebrew). He is generally known today is emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord certainly doesn't hide itself in the Oral lesser known to secular philosophy. Sacks. Law, Talmud. Yet this philosophy is Albeit relatively controversial in his home strictly Jewish, almost unknown to the One problem with Jewish philosophy is the of the Italian Jewish community, a claim sheer size of it. I have tried to stick to secular world. of having a revelation with an angel lead mainstream Jewish philosophy but I have So then the question arises, who is the to those around him becoming cautious not been able to discuss many things first Jewish philosopher of secular of him. He left Italy to the relatively including the influential Chasidut standing? In terms of who are generally tolerant Amsterdam, where he wrote his movement (a split off from mainstream seen as the first great classical most well known work, Derech Hashem orthodoxy where joy in belief in G-d was philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle (Path/Way of Gd), a codification of Jewish stressed) nor the different types of and the like, the first Jewish voice is theological metaphysics, now accepted as Zionism that grew from Herzl, and Philo the Jew. He lived around year 0 the go-to start for any budding Jewish remember the 1100 year gap left out and is often referred to as a Hellenist philosopher. earlier in this article, it was by no means philosopher due to his interest in the A great learner of Kabbalah (Jewish empty. As I come to the modern day, the only philosophy outside of Judaism he Mysticism) he moved to Acre in Israel for big question is, what and who will be the had access to, Greek. But like most the end of his life. Arguably if it was not next major movement in Jewish Jewish philosophers in the non-Jewish for him the Musar (Jewish Self- philosophy. Given that we are a nation world, he impacted lots of things but left development) movement in the next with more opinions than people, I'm sure it won't be too long until the next major 6 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 philosophical breakthrough. December and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office GEMMA RICE in January. Both events will Address to JRC live long in my memory. Council meeting on I am really grateful for all the assistance I have had CPS issues from the officers, the RepPresents executive, Marc Levy of the editorial JLC and Past President, team PRESIDENT’S REPORT Sharon Bannister. They have member Filis enabled me to fulfil my role Rosenberg, with Russell Conn as President, as the herself a By the time you read Sadly, the Quiz which usually community would want and member of this, the JRC Centenary is held in November had to deserve. the Crown be deferred and a new date year will be over…... So, as we say farewell to the Prosecution …. and what a year it has confirmed as soon as events of 2019 and the Service been. possible. Centenary Year, we can look Religion and It launched with our We did host a very successful forward with great Racism centenary dinner on the Community Awards confidence to an exciting Scrutiny 14th March with Guest of ceremony and the Hilton future for your Communal Panel Honour the Chief Rabbi Suite was packed with Body. reports on a recent Ephraim Mirvis and not one recipients of the awards, meeting of the JRC which but two High Sheriffs, the nominees and their families DIARY DATE was addressed by then current Sheriff Rabina and as the report elsewhere Gemma Rice (CPS Shah, and the incoming states everyone who was Monday 18th May Inclusion and Community Sheriff Mark Adlestone OBE there was impressed with the Engagement Manager). DL who would be installed whole evening. The Sherman Gemma delivered an in- in April, as well as Community The President, Chair, officers depth account of dignitaries from out of Lecture and executive members work the various aspects of The town. tirelessly on behalf of the Crown Prosecution We were also privileged to community. Service and the role it plays host the Regional Weekend Whether it’s on Memorial within the Criminal Justice of the Board of Deputies Sunday, Chanukah candle system in The UK. and were delighted that lighting ceremonies, HMD Since June 2018, the CPS many of the HOs of the BOD events, flag raising, a plethora have developed a refreshed attended our dinner. of committees which Inclusion and Community Our next significant event deal with matters close to the Engagement Strategy. was the Succah event held community’s heart, as well as Through this initiative they at Heathlands Village where engaging with local politicians Dr Miri Freud–Kandel, are developing a over forty people from the whether it’s MPs, Lord Fellow and Lecturer in Modern Judaism at Oxford programme of community wider non Jewish Mayors or council leaders University, will speak on an conversations with local community had a taste of and councillors. aspect of modern Jewish groups from different Succot and they mixed very For my own part I have been thought. Venue tbc. She can communities in the North convivially with members of fortunate to be invited to be found on YouTube and is West. the JRC. Buckingham Palace in clearly an exciting and thought provoking speaker. This programme allows The CPS to meet with members CAUGHT SNAPPING . . . . of a community, listen to their concerns, establish relationships and open dialogue on matters of importance. For any further information on The CPS and their Inclusion and Community Engagement Strategy please check www. cps.gov.uk Sajid Javid with Marc Levy European Cantors (see page 3 for report and more photos) RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 7 MARC LEVY . . . on the political Discussing the landscape Israeli- The political landscape changed dramatically Palestinian following the 12th December general election. Westminster dispute in will be a different place where a hung Parliament has been Manchester replaced by a huge Conservative majority. classrooms There have been numerous theories levelled as to why Filis Rosenberg reports the Labour Party performed so disastrously. on a November 2019 Whilst many will Manchester meeting organised understandably point to their by Solutions not Sides, and position on Brexit, I have The diversity of the attendees at the FODIP event hosted by *FODIP heard first hand from (*Forum for Discussion of Israel numerous MPs and candidates that the issue of Those present, who were and Palestine) antisemitism was regularly incredibly tight race by 402 given the opportunity to listen mentioned on doorsteps right votes. I have enjoyed to Israeli and Palestinian Both were completely taken across the region. regularly engaging with speakers, included aback by the diversity of Christian whilst he was on representation from the Manchester and the With numerous MPs the campaign trail. announcing that they would Jewish, Muslim and Quaker harmony in which people not be seeking re-election, it He has already committed to communities. from so many different further engagement with the backgrounds exist together was always expected that I Jess Brandler Europe Director would start 2020 by arranging community by visiting and pledged to continue for SNS, advised that The to meet with new Heathlands Village where he their work for conflict will also meet with CST and Solutions Not Sides representatives. resolution back home. the Representative Council. programme returned to However, it was a shock when Manchester in order to spread polls started predicting that In addition to meeting new MPs, I will also be continuing its message in secondary the Tories could take seats that they had never to assist our members with schools and colleges all over previously held like Leigh and their political engagement. Manchester. Heywood and Middleton. This Naturally, as an organisation ‘What makes SNS unique is *FODIP is a registered was ultimately made we are at the forefront of that they bring an Israeli and a charity set up in 2008 to inevitable when the exit poll dealing with all serious Palestinian, side-by-side, into enable positive and dropped. issues that affect our sensitive conversations in community like combatting classrooms and interfaith Labour majorities plummeted spaces in order to hold the UK between Jews, across the region and further antisemitism and the Christians, Muslims and ongoing attempted constructive and candid losses were experienced in people of other faiths and Bury North and Bolton North delegitimisation of Israel. conversations about the Israeli - Palestinian conflict. of none, on the Israeli/ East. However, we are also keen Palestinian situation. The seat of Bury North is now to showcase the fantastic ‘During a week in which the most marginal in the work of our member tensions between Islamic Jihad FODIP is run, governed and organisations. country with James Daly and Israel rose to breaking supported by Jews, beating the incumbent James When we meet MPs either point, we were able to hear Christians and Muslims. Frith by 105 votes. in Westminster or the from two peace activists and regions, we establish their It takes no political position, In Bury South, longstanding hold a civil conversation about areas of interest and other than a concern for the Jewish MP has society and solutions. This was rights and well-being of all been replaced by expertise. deeply important and special.’ the people of the region of Conservative Christian Our membership comprises Wakeford. He beat the Labour of charities who lead on a The Israeli speaker had Israel and Palestine and candidate Lucy Burke in an diverse range of issues and I participated in programmes promoting understanding am always keen for them to such as the Geneva Initiative, empathy and respect benefit from the and has worked with Israeli between individuals and relationships we are politicians to persuade them communities, valuing our cultivating. to get the conflict back on the common humanity. Moving forward through political agenda. The Previous projects have these challenging times, the Palestinian speaker had included community community should rest participated in joint assured that we are dialogues, conflict programmes with Israelis in advocating at the highest resolution training, work levels of Government on all Cyprus, Amsterdam, and with young people, a the prominent issues. Kenya, and works in refugee women’s project, Study camps across the West Bank. Tours and educational Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South resources.

8 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER TO COMMUNAL DIARY ENERGISE THE EDUCATIONAL POTENTIAL OF GREATER 19 April - Public Meeting with Former Member of the Knesset MANCHESTER JEWRY 21 April - The JRC/Second Generation Yom Hashoah event 22 April - Sam Herwald JNF Wednesday Club welcomes writer These really are exciting times for anyone interested in John Cowell improving relations between communities and combatting Maccabi Supper Club - work of Bolton Mountain Rescue Team antisemitism through education. 23 April - Club Thursday – the Life of a Rebbetzin The Education Working Group (EWG) of The JRC exists to act as a shadchan, bringing together the many talented people that 27 April - UJIA Yom Hazikaron Event there are in our community, educators and potential educators 28 April - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days 2020 – Lion Salt Works in order that their talents are used to the greatest benefit of the WIZO Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebratory Lunch community. Sam Herwald JNF Wednesday Club – ‘Fabulous Women in Beautiful Paintings’ 30 April - Young Jewish Leadership Academy Graduation Ceremony Club Thursday – Barbara Silverstone, Tony Brunner 3 May - WIZOuk Jewish Women’s Week Seed Manchester Dinner 4 May - The Great Kosher Cake Off – Junior Edition for Chai Cancer Care 11 May - A Week for Chai ‘The Last Jewish King in Jerusalem’, Professor Martin Goodman 12 May - Maccabi and L’Chaim Lag B’Omer funfair His Excellency, Israeli Ambassador 17 May - Muslim Jewish Forum Iftar Mark Regev with David Berkeley and 18 May - CST Event Jacky Buchsbaum 02 Oct 2019 The JRC, ZCC and Centre for Jewish Studies presents The 2020 Sherman Community Lecture VOLUNTEER 19 May - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days 2020 – Wedgwood HOLOCAUST TEACHERS’ Tour PROJECT 20 May - Maccabi Supper Club – ‘Betsy, the Parlour Maid’ – A EDUCATORS’ hilarious interactive experience For years well meaning GROUP volunteers have been visiting 31 May - Murder Mystery Evening in aid of MJCC For years there have been a schools teaching about 7 June - Maccabi Football Festival number of people beavering Judaism. However, it was 11 June - UJIA Women Ladies’ Lunch with Keynote Speaker away teaching about the impossible to verify how Rachel Riley Holocaust to non-Jewish knowledgeable they were and 14 June - Muslim Jewish Forum presents Immigrants’ Stories adults and children. how well they were able to 16 June - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days – Jodrell Bank Few of them knew about relate to children. So, the EWG 17 June - Maccabi Supper Club – Mark llewellin: A humourous the existence of the others. has set up a volunteer teachers’ look at Granada TV and Corrie Tales Recently we contacted group to go into schools when them, we organised a asked to do so by teachers. 18 June - The Friendship Circle Fashion Show 21 June - Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School Garden meeting and out of this This is part of a national Party emerged the Holocaust volunteer teachers’ strategy Teachers’ Group (HEG). organised by The Board of The Fed Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge With Ernie Hunter as the Deputies. 25 June - Chai Cancer Care Manchester Fundraising Dinner Chair they are embarking on The volunteers have all 1 July - UJIA Sports Quiz an exciting programme of undergone training, even 5 July - MJCC Annual Telethon linking up with national though some of them are The Friendship Circle/Manchester Maccabi Fun Day agencies such as the retired teachers and they are 7 July - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days – Southport Holocaust Education Trust. aware of the needs of children. 12 July - The Fed Farm Day While still pursuing their We have contacted hundreds of individual programmes, they schools in Greater Manchester 21 July - Brookvale AGM are also ascertaining how and we have had a tremendous 4 Aug - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days much they can work response. If you are interested 6 Sept - trek4thefed 2020 Sea to Sea Ladies Charity Hike in together on joint projects. in joining in this project, we Israel There is also a programme need: 8 Sept - Martin’s & Celia’s Away Days 2020 – Anderton Boat of sharing resources, • More teachers Lift and Cruise particularly excellent online • More secretarial support to 9 Sept - Chai Tee Up for Chai Golf Event educational websites. cope with the great response 24 Sept - Manchester UJIA Dinner from schools. Further details available from www.jewishmanchester.org Contact [email protected] for more information. PLEASE CONSULT AND ADD YOUR DATE TO THE COMMUNAL Jeremy Michelson Vice Chair JRC and Chair of the Education DIARY PRIOR TO ANNOUNCING AN EVENT DAY YOURSELF Working Group. EVENTS MAY CHANGE DUE TO COVID 19 UNCERTAINTIES

RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 9 The Officers and Executive of The JRC are often asked: “What exactly does the Council do?”

WHAT WE DO? . . . In future editions of RepPresents we have decided to feature examples of the many varied meetings and events which we all attend . . . SO MANY THINGS! representing, as we do, the Manchester and Region Jewish Community. Here are headlines of some of our recent concerted (voluntary) efforts. Here are summary details from our constitution: IsraelAction, Chanukah a) To provide through the candle Council opportunity for lighting at collaboration and co-ordinated Maccabi, The action on the part of Jews of Fort, Prestwich, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester and Lubavitch Grand Menorah Region. Lighting Manchester, b) To protect Jewish interests GMP HQ Chanukah Event in Greater Manchester and Chanukah reception Region and to make and carry Buckingham Palace out such arrangements as may Jewish Soup Kitchen AGM be deemed desirable to that end. Northern Jewish c) To co-ordinate the Faith, Race and Representative Councils activities of Jewish Institutions Equality meeting meeting in Liverpool to discuss in Greater Manchester and with Mayor mutual co-operation Region whenever for common Andy Burnham purposes the same be desirable and practicable. d) To co-operate in the furtherance of Jewish interests elsewhere than in Greater Muslim Jewish Forum Annual Manchester and Region in so General Meeting, Interfaith Iftar far as may be deemed at University of Manchester, Bury advisable. Faith Forum e) To do all things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above Guest speaker at UJIA Leadership Group objects, or any of them, or as may seem best calculated to NWAS call centre as part advance the interest of the of induction as member of members. Co-ordinating Xmas day public panel volunteer chauffeuring f) To receive, hold and distribute funds for the benefit of Jewish and other charities. g) The Council may from time to time receive monies for distribution to Jewish or other Many informal meetings with members of the community to listen charities, or hold monies on to concerns and support various strategies and initiatives that are trust for Jewish or other being developed within our community charities on such terms or conditions as the Council shall in each case deem appropriate, and the Council may enter into Challenging Hate Forums trust deeds and appoint members of the Council to act either by themselves or with other persons as trustees.

For further details of the “We Were There Too” at Bury activities of the Manchester and Whitefield School Representative Council, please visit our Facebook page Jewish Manchester as well as our website www. jewishmanchester.org Joint JVN and JRC coffee morning to promote Volunteering in the Community

10 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 DIVERSITY in the COMMUNITY event

spoke passionately about our Moving on, the floor was now Jewish history, Talmud, and handed over to Joy Wolfe MBE how we are expected to run who patiently touched on our lives in the service of G-d. modern Israel and today's Judaism Judah, via Latin and distorted views from the BBC Greek is the ethnic religion of and the United Nations. the Jewish people. Joy told us all the wonderful The talk lasted for over 45 things that Israel has given the minutes and was well received world such as the mobile phone, by the many non Jews who and many other technologies attended. The session finished that we take for granted, along with a Q and A. with major breakthroughs in medical sciences for many major Following Jeremy was Michael illnesses such as Cancer and MS. Sharpe from the new Holocaust Museum in Leeds Today one in four medicines that who told us about his are taken daily are Carl Montlake, Jay Charara, Pauline Sergeant and Raymond connection to the Holocaust manufactured by Israeli owned Solomon and that now there was a companies. North Western Holocaust representatives led by our PR After refreshments we were What is fresh and new? museum at the University of group and Carl Montlake privileged to have a professional Jews teaching about our Huddersfield where the joined together with MAV a Israeli group entertain us for history, religion, and what Holocaust Exhibition and predominant black charity in nearly an hour. They were joined our roles on this earth are, Learning Centre is based. Moss-Side and Hulme for an by a local children's dance group to the Black community in afternoon called "Diversity in At the public exhibition at the who shared in the Israeli Manchester for a whole the Community". University of Huddersfield dancing. afternoon; then celebrating there is a powerful warning Bringing communities with To finish of this wonderful this bonding by holding note about the perils of different cultures, Ethnic afternoon of the integration of hands and dancing together antisemitism and all forms of backgrounds and religions communities a young black to Israeli folk music; thus racial prejudice by telling and together to fight antisemitism dance group took to the floor illustrating the story of Nazi setting a course of action for and racial prejudice. and entertained us with their persecution of the Jews, future events across the movements. North West to knock down To set the atmosphere, culminating in the Holocaust. Jewish folk songs were played The chair of MAV and Jay the barriers of antisemitism It is based around the stories and people were offered soft Charara, PR Officer from The and racial prejudice. of survivors who made new drinks. Rep Council closed the lives in the North of England On Sunday 22nd September proceeding with a vote of The afternoon began with and includes evocative the Jewish Rep Council thanks. Jeremy Michelson who artifacts from the camps.

YOM HASHOA RepPresents 21st APRIL 2020 Magazine of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester 8.00pm and Region (JRC) BRIDGEWATER HALL Published twice-yearly at Pesach and MANCHESTER Rosh Hashana Yom HaShoah Manchester is the annual commemoration JRC Office: 0161 720 8721 for Greater Manchester and the North of England. [email protected]

jewishmanchester.org

facebook.com/ jewishmanchester twitter.com/jewishmcr http://yomhashoahmanchester.org.uk [email protected] RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780 - 11 SAYING KADDISH AT TH E PAL ACE

A very special reception was hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales, on Thursday 5th December, one week before the election and just over two weeks before Chanukah

round whilst we waited for (another Manchester HRH to arrive. son). Right on time he entered and A plethera of Rabbonim spoke extremely warmly of the from Rabbi Pinter of immense contribution the Stamford Hill to Danny Jewish Community has played Rich, through Klausner and continues to play in the Janner, our own Chief life of this great kingdom of Rabbi of course, as well as ours. the Sephardi Chief Rabbi He mentioned events and Dwek . individuals stretching back to Simon Johnson, formerly the restoration under Oliver from Manchester, had Cromwell and was particularly Yahrzeit for his late father pleased that the prayer for his and an impromptu minyan family is recited in every was assembled right next Synagogue. to where the investitures After he spoke, various groups are carried out and I By Russell Conn, JRC President generations have alighted, be were presented to him, and it suspect for the first time they prime ministers, visiting Over 400 people, predominately really was an honour to bring Maariv including Kaddish dignitaries, or members of the greetings from the Manchester was recited. Jewish, from all walks of life and royal family themselves. from almost every corner of the Jewish Community and Then it was time for the kingdom arrived by car, tube and Up the stairs, at every turn, the endorse so much of what he staff to very discreetly taxi at the main entrance to Palace staff, impeccably turned said and be able to tell him invite us to step Buckingham Palace. Once out, all with the utmost that he had no more loyal backwards, it quickly through the security having courtesy, pointed us in the right subjects than the Jewish became apparent that the shown our identity, we direction. Community of our fair city. Royal protocol dictates proceeded through the main We were shown to a large table Then it was time to spot and that guests are politely gates and across the gravel which had hundreds of name speak to so many famous encouraged to vacate by entrance, through the main tags on them. As well as the people from such a diverse asking them to step back archway into a giant quadrangle name, it had a number, and if spectrum. closer to the exits. We are and across more gravel to the you had a number, you filed Journalists like Lord Daniel truly fortunate that whilst main entrance where countless through the right-hand door Finklestein, Emma Barnett we have a Royal Family and if not it (Salford born and bred) Hugo the Jews of this great was the left- Rifkind, Jonathan Freidland, nation will always have a hand door. Robert Peston, Simon Schama, safe haven and will be The number of Simon Seabag Montefiore respected, sadly if the day people quickly (whose ancestor was obviously ever dawns when they are became more mentioned) Nigella Lawson, no longer here then this apparent, as Tracy Oberman. There were country may no longer be there were also politicians Lord John as tolerant and our more staff with Mann and Lord Eric Pickles and security not assured. a sign to a authors like Howard Jacobson “mustering” station so to speak. These were the groups who would be presented to HRH The Prince of Wales. The kosher champagne flowed and the kosher canapes were handed The Prince of Wales speaking with Russell Conn 12 - RepPresents - Spring 2020/Pesach 5780