It’s an extremely good time to be Jewish in Greater Manchester

Like in so many other cities across the globe, the history of Manchester Jewry is one of evolution and innovation. It is incredible to consider how a collection of a few families working in the garment trade has developed into a community of truly global significance. All sides of my family have resided in Manchester for many generations. So the story of a community living and working in Cheetham Hill and Strangeways before moving up Bury Old Road to Prestwich and Whitefield mirrors my family’s history.

Close ancestors have regularly held communal positions at synagogues, yeshivahs and charitable organisations.

And in 2022, to see an outward facing, confident and thriving community expanding beyond all recognition is something that fills me and the city’s Jewish Representative Council with immense pride.

But when focusing on the future, it is also important to acknowledge how the world has changed over the last two years.

For school friends who moved to London to advance their careers, the advent of remote working during the pandemic has opened new horizons.

With it now perfectly feasible for someone to live and work in Manchester for a Londonbased company, young families have been returning, enjoying a vibrant community life while taking advantage of significantly cheaper housing.

It is not uncommon to hear an eclectic mix of languages as Jews from across Europe have also made Manchester their home.

Of critical importance is the relationship the community has with local and national government. For six years, it has been my role for the Jewish Leadership Council to build relationships with the highest levels of government across the region.

The community has been reassured by the level of understanding and sensitivity shown by those elected to represent us.

Nothing gives me greater professional satisfaction than arranging for senior local government leaders to visit our diverse communal organisations.

I have facilitated dozens of visits and without exception, everyone leaves overwhelmed by the way our community cares for those who are vulnerable and in need.

We are truly blessed to have schools, charities and a social care provision which operate at the very highest levels. Their work is needed as the Greater Manchester community, like all others, has a significant amount of poverty and social care issues.

As the community grows, so do the number of charities and other organisations. And we are part of a wider eco-system. This is embodied by the JRC chair, Mark Adlestone, who was High Sheriff of Greater Manchester. In that role, he was warmly welcomed by all communities across the city and his pride in being Jewish was central to his engagements. Meanwhile, the close relationship between the community and government has been underpinned during the pandemic.

The JRC created a strategic group that brought together our diverse community, facilitating a direct line to engage with MPs and local government representatives.

It bodes well that our community, irrespective of religious levels, is working together closely and we are delighted that the JRC’s new management board has representation from all elements. This level of co-operation will form the basis of our approach to our development, future-proofing existing charities and highlighting when new incarnations are needed to fill any gap in provision.

We are also aware of the growth in Jewish population outside of the traditional heartlands. The Charedi community has expanded exponentially to new geographical areas and the community in South Manchester continues to grow, now with five synagogues led by young, dynamic rabbonim.

The JRC is over 100 years old and our mantra is that the community should integrate but not assimilate. We have also undergone a huge revamp to enable us to adequately claim to represent our community. We are uniquely placed to collaborate and co-ordinate our collective vision to ensure our institutions and wider community continue to develop.

All in all, it is now an extremely good time to be Jewish in Greater Manchester.