The Jewish Representative Council (JRC) and Jewish Leadership Council (JLC) hosted an Interfaith Dinner at Heathlands Village to celebrate the festival of Succot. Following a reception, guests were welcomed into the Succah 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 guests.

The Jewish community were also joined by the Police & 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.

The evening furthers the commitment of the Jewish community across Greater Manchester to proactively engage with our civic leaders and representatives from other communities. It builds upon the successful Civic Reception held by the JRC and JLC where Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the Speaker of the House of Commons was the guest of honour. The JRC take a leading role in interfaith networks and ensure the community are represented at all civic occasions.

MARK ADLESTONE OBE DL – CHAIR OF THE JEWISH REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL OF GREATER MANCHESTER & REGION AND TRUSTEE OF THE JEWISH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL: –
“ It is a privilege to host so many civic dignitaries and religious leaders to celebrate the festival of Succot. This will send a powerful message on the importance of successful inter communal dialogue.  It is not taken for granted that the Greater Manchester Jewish community feel 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 whilst working so hard to follow the important principles of tolerance and fighting prejudice”.

CHRISTIAN WAKEFORD MP – MP FOR BURY SOUTH
“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 in the Succah 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”.

BERNIE YAFFE – CHAIR OF THE FED & VICE CHAIR OF THE JRC
“Our wonderful care home setting is very much at one with the theme of Succot 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
(Speaking about growing up in Dublin).
“At my installation as High Sheriff in April, 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.
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 than Succot to share a little bit of my experience.”

DIANE HAWKINS JP LLB DL – LORD-LIEUTENANT OF GREATER MANCHESTER

“A privilege of my role is to see first-hand the many different faith groups represented in the county and continually learn more about them.  We are blessed in Greater Manchester that different communities not only coexist but have a genuine love, warmth and friendship.

I was therefore thrilled to attend my first Succot celebration.  I was hoping to sit in a Succah this evening, having heard so much about them, how they are made and their symbolism.  My understanding is that they represent a bringing together, showing our similarities and how much we all have in common.

I hold a deep and meaningful relationship with the Jewish community who contribute so much to Greater Manchester and would like to thank Mark and the JRC for a memorable evening.”