‘I love this place!’ says Chief Rabbi during joyous visit to Jewish Deaf Association

The Chief Rabbi has visited the only charity in the Jewish community specialising in supporting the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing.

Members, volunteers and staff at the Jewish Deaf Association this month welcomed Ephraim Mirvis to their offices in north Finchley.

Before opening up the floor for a Q&A session, he said: “I love this place. The people responsible for running this facility make everyone in the community very proud.”

There were lots of questions about his recent experience staying at St James’ Palace and participating in the Coronation ceremony.  Asked how he felt about being invited to the Coronation, the Chief Rabbi said: “I was there to represent the Jewish community in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.  Our wonderful King and Queen wanted to recognise everyone from all faiths and as a mark of respect, they invited me along with five other faith leaders to represent our communities.  It was an honour and a privilege.”

He spoke enthusiastically about the dress rehearsal for the Coronation, shared funny anecdotes, posed for selfies, learnt some sign language, reminisced with members from his time as Rabbi at Kinloss, spoke about his forthcoming investiture where he’ll receive his knighthood and proudly shared the news of a new siddur he launched during a reception at his home.

JDA member Anne Hart said: “Thank you for sacrificing your time by coming here today – it means so much.”