Contribution of the Jewish Community to Leeds
The Jewish community has always been part of the Leeds community as a whole. Active members of our community have individually made a difference to the economic, cultural and intellectual life of the city. Specific names that inspire pride amongst local residents include Montague Burton, Selig Brodetsky and Jacob Kraemar. However, a vast amount of people contribute to Leeds behind the scenes, as is testified to by this quote from ex-Lord Mayor Thomas Jessop:
Members of the Jewish Community have taken a full and important part in the administration of our City and in almost every field of voluntary endeavour......
...There is no doubt that mankind is the richer for the public service which Jews have given and are giving to the City
There is also a continuous effort on the communal level in aid of fostering goodwill within the area. The Leeds Jewish Representative Council, as the face of the community, are part of many interfaith groups such as Leeds Faith Forum, Council of Christians and Jews and Concord Interfaith Group. This participation ensures a positive image for the community as well as fostering understanding throughout the city. In the interest of education and public service, they also send speakers to anyone who wants to know something about Judaism.
There is an annual celebration of this special relationship when the community lights the Chanukah candles at the Civic Hall, in the presence of the Lord Mayor. It is a lively, family event where the Lord Mayor gets to experience our vibrant community and gets a chance to address us.
Also, this year, from March to September, there is to be a six-month temporary exhibition at the new Leeds Museum, entitled Faith in the City. Judaism is one of the faiths portrayed and the Rep Council President has been delighted to be involved in planning and compiling this section. The interactive video starts at Succoth, with views of UHC, a Succah in action, interviews and voice over by the shul's Rabbi Levy. There is then a section at the MAZCC, showing activities and ending with the Civic Candle lighting.