Do you know anyone of bar/batmitzvah age?

The community has started the "welcome to the community" project which will give an exciting introduction to Jewish life in Leeds.

The focus of the programme is on the non-religious aspects of community life (the religious side being covered by individual synagogue or teachers). In a child-friendly way, they will learn about the community's history, what the different organisations in Leeds do, and what facilities there are here. This will give them the opportunity to see a living Judaism that can be seen to exist in Leeds. Hopefully, they will form an attachment to the community and begin to feel that they are a warm and valued part of it.

It will also be a good chance to meet and socialise with other Jews of the same age from across Leeds. Hopefully, this will mean friendships will be formed across congregational boundaries. In this way, they will part of one big community. Each session will include time for talking, eating and getting to know each other.

We have planned three sessions, with the first being on October 5th: "Going back to your roots". Meeting at 3.45, there will be an hours 'magical mystery coach tour' around Jewish Leeds. In a brief but entertaining way, they will see the town-centre shops set up by Jews, visit the sights of the old synagogues, hear stories of personalities and events from the past, and see the history of the community as we worked our way up to North Leeds. Then back to the community centre for a specially designed meal, a chance to chat, and to see what's going on at the centre.

All this for FREE!

If you know anyone who has had/having their barmitzvah or batchayil in 2008/09 get them to contact me on 0113 2697520 or email info@ljrc.org.