The JRC and JLC’s recent Interfaith Dinner brought the community together and reminiscing about meaningful connections.
The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) recently hosted an Interfaith Dinner at Heathlands Village to celebrate the festival of Sukkot. Following a reception, guests were welcomed into the Sukkah by Chair of the JRC and JLC Trustee, Mark Adlestone OBE DL. During the meal, the Lord Lieutenant, Diane Hawkins JP LLB, High Sheriff, Mary Liz Walker JP DL, Christian Wakeford MP, Rabbi Daniel Walker and Chair of The Fed, Bernie Yaffe addressed the guests.
The Jewish community were also joined by the Police and 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.
Christian Wakeford MP for Bury South addressed the room saying: “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 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.”
Mark Adlestone OBE DL, Chair of the JRC and trustee of the Jewish Leadership Council 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 not taken for granted that the Greater Manchester Jewish community feels so safe and secure. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank our elected representatives, civic and religious leaders along with the emergency services for looking after our community while working so hard to follow the important principles of tolerance and fighting prejudice.”
Representation for The FED at the event, Bernie Yaffe, Chair of The FED and Vice Chair of the JRC, also revelled in Manchester’s success to unite the community saying: “Our wonderful care home setting is very much at one with the theme of Sukkot as we remind ourselves of the uncertainty and vulnerability faced by our ancestors as they wandered through the desert with G-d 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 JP DL, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, shared her reflections about growing up in Dublin, saying: “At my installation as High Sheriff, I spoke about how our individual personalities, our strengths and weaknesses make us who we are. That we are shaped also by our personal connections with family, friends, and colleagues.
“Our Jewish neighbours, of whom there were many – including Holocaust survivors Mr and Mrs Urbach – who 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 to share a little bit of my experience.”