The 125th anniversary of the Southport Hebrew Congregation was marked in style. We were honoured by the presence of Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis at a communal service, led by Rabbi Fachler.
The service was also attended by Mark Blundell, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, together with his Deputy Michael Braham, Damien Moore, MP for Southport and Declan Sammin from Merseyside Police. As Adrian Fletcher, Senior Warden, said in his welcome, ‘for over 125 years, not one week has gone by where we failed to pray for the well being of the monarchy, the government and the Jewish people’ and we were delighted to have representatives of all at this service.
For the first time, we also welcomed together many of the rabbonim and officiants who lead services in our beautiful synagogue on a regular basis.
Amongst the other attendees were around 120 current and former members of Southport Hebrew Congregation, some of whom left the town decades ago but still spent their formative years in our Shul.
We were so privileged to welcome Chief Rabbi Mirvis. His presence was uplifting and his address was inspirational. At afternoon tea, Chairman Michael Braham gave a welcoming address to the Chief Rabbi and to everyone who attended from all parts of the UK. Ray Roukin, Immediate Past Chairman, then presented the Chief Rabbi with a framed picture of Southport to commemorate his visit. We’re all looking forward to the next one!
Rabbi Fachler, with Michael Braham (L) and Adrian Fletcher (R)
Photo courtesy of Ed Horwich
Chief Rabbi Mirvis
Address by Chief Rabbi Mirvis
Photo courtesy of Ed Horwich