Manchester community hosts interfaith Succot celebration

A group of 60 guests including rabbis, MPs, bishops and other dignitaries came together to celebrate Succot at an interfaith dinner in Manchester on 4th October. 

The event at Heathlands Village care home in Prestwich was hosted by the Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and Jewish Leadership Council (JLC).

Following a reception, guests were welcomed into the sukkah by Chair of the JRC and JLC Trustee, Mark Adlestone and speeches were made by the Lord Lieutenant, Diane Hawkins, High Sheriff, Mary Liz Walker, Christian Wakeford MP, Rabbi Daniel Walker and chair of The Fed, Bernie Yaffe.

The Jewish community were also joined by the Police & Crime Commissioner, Kate Green OBE, Consul General of Ireland, Sarah Mangan, Assistant Chief Constable, Colin McFarlane, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Ceremonial Mayors of Bury and Salford, Chairman of Lancashire County Council, Chris Green MP, Navendu Mishra MP, the Bishop of Manchester, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, Chief Executives of Manchester, Salford and Bury Councils and representatives from numerous communities.

Mark Adlestone said: “When I assumed the position as Chair of the JRC, I had a vision that the organisation would become central not just to the Jewish community but also to key stakeholders from across society. Tonight and recent civic events have demonstrated that Greater Manchester is a wonderful place for Jewish people to practice their religion.

“It is a privilege to host so many civic dignitaries and religious leaders to celebrate the festival of Succot. This will send a powerful message on the importance of successful inter-communal dialogue.”

Adding that it was “not taken for granted that the Greater Manchester Jewish community feel so safe and secure”, Adlestone called the event “a wonderful opportunity to thank our elected representatives, civic and religious leaders along with the emergency services for looking after our community whilst working so hard to follow the important principles of tolerance and fighting prejudice”.

Christian Wakeford MP for Bury South said: “It is a genuine joy to join with the Jewish community and dignitaries from across Greater Manchester to celebrate Succot. It was a pleasure to address people from several different faiths in the sukkah at Heathlands Village within my Bury South constituency. The work of the JRC and our far-reaching interfaith networks demonstrates the very best of Greater Manchester and must always be encouraged”.

Bernie Yaffe, chair of the Fed and vice chair, JRC said: “Our wonderful care home setting is very much at one with the theme of Succot as we remind ourselves of the uncertainty and vulnerability faced by our ancestors as they wandered through the desert with God directing and cushioning them to provide daily care, support and sustenance.

“As Chair of The Fed, I am thrilled to be able to share our hospitality with distinguished guests to say how much we appreciate them being long-standing friends of the Greater Manchester Jewish Community”.

Mary Liz Walker, high sheriff of Greater Manchester reflecting on her early years growin up in Dublin said:  “Our Jewish neighbours, of whom there were many, including Holocaust survivors Mr and Mrs Urbach, were well known to us because my late father was the local pharmacist. He and my mother knew everyone, respected everyone and treated everyone the same. Memories of our neighbours walking to synagogue on the Sabbath are still very strong.

“My life has been truly blessed and enriched through the many connections with the individuals and groups I have met along life’s journey. What better occasion than Succot to share a little bit of my experience.”

The JRC and JLC will jointly be welcoming Lord Finkelstein to Manchester on the 18th October to address the community.