CLOSER COMMUNITY

I feel I must respond to the recent article headed, Small hopes for a big idea ( JC, July 24). Miriam Shaviv writes rather condescendingly about the Chief Rabbi’s ‘‘dutiful’’ visits to communities throughout the country — suggesting that the attention he has given to this part of his role cannot be considered one of his ‘‘greatest achievements in office so far’’. I hazard to suggest that Ms Shaviv probably has little or no understanding of the Jewish community outside the M25.

Our Senior Warden recently attended the Regional Presidents’ Conference in Manchester organised by the Office of The Chief Rabbi. He reported back to our management committee on the content, speakers (including the Chief Rabbi) and themes contained, in glowing terms.

We were fortunate that, several weeks later, we had a visit from the Chief Rabbi and were mightily impressed with him as an individual and the messages he had for our community.

I can do no better than replicate the relevant part of my newsletter report on the consequences of these two events:

‘‘In the past we have felt very isolated, but whilst it is early days, he has, through his Office, made us feel part of a much wider community. This opens up opportunities to embrace more of our members. His Office will help us with rabbinical support, speakers to our events, twinning opportunities with other communities to tap into their events etc. etc.’’

It would seem that Miriam Shaviv can’t recognise all this work for the immeasurable impact that it is having and will continue to have — it may not mean much to her, but it means a lot to us.

Victor Isenwater Chairman Southport Hebrew Congregation Arnside Road, Southport