Leeds visited by Chief Rabbi

ShabbatUK is an annual project that aims to encourage Jewish communities to engage with the day of rest.

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis chose to spend it in Leeds this year, visiting a number of schools, synagogues and community centres.

He was due to be guest of honour at the Etz Chaim Synagogue on Harrogate Road for a dinner on Friday evening while on Saturday afternoon he was set to unveil a poppy display at the United Hebrew Congregation building on Shadwell Lane with the Royal British Legion.

Another event saw more than 200 members of the community coming together to make challah, the traditional Jewish bread. The celebrations were scheduled to culminate with a concert from acapella group Six-13.

Susie Gordon, executive director of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We were honoured that Chief Rabbi Mirvis chose to spend ShabbatUK in Leeds.

“We had so many great events happening that will bring together the whole community.

“This was a fantastic opportunity to once again showcase what ShabbatUK means to us.”

ShabbatUK is the largest mass participation event organised for the Jewish community in the UK.

Explaining the thinking behind the project, Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: “On a day of rest it can be all too easy to recuperate alone, but true meaning is found in our engagement with loved ones.”