Manchester united as shuls plot merger
TWO MANCHESTER Reform Synagogues have started discussions about a potential merger.
Initial talks between the city centre Manchester Reform and North Manchester’s Sha’arei Shalom have examined effective ways to share campuses and resources — there has already been collaboration during the pandemic. Leaders stress the move would not mean the closing of premises.
The proposed merger would create one of the largest Reform communities outside of London with more than 800 individual members.
Letters and emails have gone out to congregants of both communities, highlighting the complementary nature of the two synagogues. A series of consultative meetings will follow over the next three months and the proposed joint community has the working title of Greater Manchester Reform.
Manchester Reform’s principal rabbi, Robyn Ashworth-Steen, said: “We have so much potential to create a strong, visible and proud community which attends to the needs of our diverse members. Joining resources, places, leaders and skills means the future is so bright.”
Last summer, Manchester Reform agreed a £15 million sale for its premises rather than a rebuild as part of a £200 million city centre development project fronted by former Manchester United star turned TV pundit Gary Neville.
It had been anticipated that its Jackson’s Row site would be demolished and rebuilt as part of the development.
But the shul took the decision to sell and relocate to a new site in central Manchester, although the sale process could take up to three years. Rabbi Ashworth-Steen expects Manchester Reform to have a new temporary home in around 18 months. She told the JC that a central Manchester location would make sense, given “the spread of our members across Greater Manchester. But I’m only one voice.”
Her shul is the second oldest
Reform congregation in the UK, with a history dating back 165 years and a current membership of just over 600.
Sha’arei Shalom, also known as North Manchester Reform, was founded in 1977 by Jackson’s Row members living in North Manchester. Its membership is around 200 and it does not have a permanent minister, relying on freelance support.
Any merger agreement would be subject to approval by the boards and members of both congregations. A decision is expected in the first half of the year.
Joining resources means the future is so bright