3 September 2014, Hale Synagogue visit

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Visit to Hale Synagogue by Altrincham Interfaith Group

On the evening of September 3rd, about 80 members of Altrincham Interfaith Group visited the synagogue of the Hale and District Hebrew Congregation in Shay Lane. This beautiful and distinctive building was opened in 2003, replacing an earlier one that was built in 1978, and has striking stained glass windows all around depicting the various festivals and other themes connected with Judaism, as well as a wall built of stone from Jerusalem, a copy of the Western Wall. We were given a warm welcome by past Presidents of the congregation and then Rabbi Portnoy arrived and introduced many of the features of the synagogue including the Torah scrolls (the five books of Moses) housed in the special Ark, and explained aspects of Judaism and the various different types of community – Orthodox, Reform and Liberal. Following his address there were many questions – people were interested in the Tefillin, small boxes containing miniature scrolls that are strapped to the arm and head during prayer, and the rabbi demonstrated their use, as well as the wearing of prayer shawls.  There were questions on aspects of Jewish law in relation to civil matters and the role of the Rabbi as arbitrator in family disputes, as well as deeper issues on Jewish ideas on the nature of God. It was a most interesting and lively session, and then we were invited to partake of refreshments served by the Ladies Guild, a delicious selection of both sweet and savoury foods.  It was wonderful to see representatives of all the various faith communities there and such visits can only help to improve mutual understanding and tolerance between the different faiths in these difficult times.Carolyn Jones ( Secretary AIG)

 

A message from the Co-Chairs and Vice-Chairs to member bodies of the Inter Faith Network for the UK

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4 August 2014
The work of most of your organisations, like that of the Inter Faith Network for the UK, focuses on this country. There are, however, times when events in other countries with which we have links or about which we have concern have an impact on our relationships here.
These may be events, past or present, about which a community or communities have strong feelings:  particular attacks or periods of persecution or even genocide; ‘one off’ but deeply disturbing episodes; or ongoing actions – military or civilian – affecting the lives of many, within and across borders.  The roll call of  such actions in recent times is long and the impact reverberates.
Today our  thoughts and our prayers are with all those affected by the present crisis in Gaza and Israel, and in other countries in the Middle East and elsewhere where communities are under sometimes terrifying pressures.
Such situations give rise to strong differences of view about what is just  and right and they bring with them anxiety, pain – and anger.  At these times,  our bonds of friendship and trust – long in the making – are tested.  It is hard to keep communication open and to continue to be willing to be in dialogue but it is vital to do so and to continue to support each other’s right to differ in opinion and to be willing to make our case with courtesy and respect for the other.
Likewise, continued care for the safety and security of our different faith communities in the UK must surely be a concern for all of us. We acknowledge fears of those in the Jewish community with the recent sharp rise in anti-Semitic attacks, mirroring fears in the Muslim community following the increase in attacks on Muslims after the murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich last year.
We note also the helpful statements from a range of faith community leaders and organisations.
Vital work is happening at local and national level to keep channels of communication open and relationships strong. Our thoughts and prayers are also with all seeking to encourage and support this.
The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, Co-Chair
Mr Vivian Wineman, Co-Chair
Mr Mohinder Singh Chana, Vice-Chair
Dr Kishan Manocha, Vice-Chair
Maulana M Shahid Raza OBE, Vice-Chair
Dr Jagdish Sharma, Vice-Chair
Inter Faith Network for the UK
2 Grosvenor Gardens
London
SW1W 0DH
Tel: 020 7730 0410
Fax: 020 7730 0414
Registered charity no. 1068934.  Company limited by guarantee no. 3443823 registered in England.
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Visit to Hale Unitarian Chapel 26th June 2014

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On the evening of June 26th, about 35 members and friends of Altrincham Interfaith Group gathered in Hale Unitarian Chapel to hear Rev Jeffrey Gould talk about Unitarianism and the history of the Chapel.  This beautiful building was built in 1723 and is the oldest place of worship in Hale, it has a lovely window depicting “Caritas” or Charity designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones with two winged minstrels in windows on each side designed by William Morris. The pulpit with its sounding board is reached by a flight of steps  at the side, and looks down upon box pews in the original wood with cushioned seats.  Rev Gould gave a fascinating talk about the origin of the Chapel and also took many questions. He explained about the noncredal nature of Unitarianism and how it shares with both Judaism and Islam a belief in the humanity of Jesus and the Unity of God. Afterwards we were treated to a splendid buffet in the vestry, and a chance to ask more questions and talk together.  It was a delightful evening and we are most grateful to Rev Gould and his congregation for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.

Carolyn Jones

(Hon. Sec., Altrincham Interfaith Group)

Entertainment Evening

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Nearly 100 people of all ages and faiths gathered on a wet evening to have their spirits lifted. Altrincham Interfaith Group’s annual Entertainment Evening this year was held at Timperley Methodist Church. The evening was compared by Gwyneth Roper who between the acts caused much merriment by reading out things that children had said about marriage. The evening started with the children’s drama group from Timperley Methodist Church who enacted a modern version of the Good Samaritan, this required audience participation and was warmly contributed too.

Katy Allan sang “Annie’s Song” and the popular Catherine Jenkins song “The Prayer”. Katy is Head Chorister at Christ Church, Timperley and sings with the Halle Youth Choir. Last year she performed at the Royal Albert Hall in The First Night of The Proms concert. She is now recording with the Halle. All this experience ensured her performance was beautifully moving and accomplished.

Vipasha and Krishna

Vipasha and Krishna performed a dance from Northern India, Bringing grace in motion Bollywood style to Altrincham. Their dance told a story in the manor of temple dance, every motion and gesture having significance. Their beautiful costumes reacted to each twirl and turn of their dance.

A break for tea and biscuits may not normally be worthy of comment at a performance event but on this occasion it was significant because it gave neighbours the opportunity to meet each other, congratulate the performers and admire the costumes.

Hafsah Bashir

Hafsah Bashir is a local published poet who writes about love, life, and justice and everything in between, she says her inspiration comes from all that happens around her as she juggles all the her experience with the aid of an over active imagination. This was demonstrated with her first poem “The Cake Gallery” telling stories of her daytime job in Bowdon; this was received with giggles and laughter as the audience recognised some typical reactions to her cakes. Later she silenced the laughter with her thought provoking poem “The Runners” which describes of the life of refugees caught up in the violence in Syria.

ACT II : Drama Matters brought the evening to a close. Muriel Cohen, Joan Sherman and David Mort gave us a look at Jewish culture through tears and laughter. David read his own amusing piece called “Oxford Blues” telling the story of his entry to Oxford University in 1964. Joan and Muriel read extracts from “How to be a Jewish Mother” which ensured everyone went home with a smile on their face.

This years Entertainment Evening was a great success and Ann Angel and her team deserve our thanks and congratulations in organising it so well.

 

Annual Shared Meal – 2014

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8th February 2014
Annual Shared Meal

On a pleasant Saturday evening AIG gathered for the annual shared meal at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. After a brief introduction by Father John Rafferty, the Chairman of AIG, prayers were said by representatives of the various faith communities. Kosher and Halal starters and main courses had been prepared by the Jewish and Moslem ladies – perhaps some men had helped ? As always, this was wonderful homemade food that looked, smelt and tasted delicious. At the end of the evening a warm round of applause was given to all the people who had prepared the food, especially mentioned were the Moslem ladies who had worked hard together to feed so many people even though they were unable to attend the dinner because they were at a family wedding.

Father John introduced Chief Superintendent Jim Liggett, the Police Divisional Commander for Trafford. He said how wonderful it was that a community could come together to share in a meal in such a way. The previous weekend he had been in Paris for the rugby international and that evening supporters of each side gathered together in the bars to discuss the match and previous games without any animosity just as good neighbours can.

The Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Dylan Butt, congratulated Interfaith Group on their activities throughout the year. Appreciating that he had gone to some trouble to attend the dinner, the gathered group gave him a very warm round of applause.

The main speaker for the evening was The Reverend Bill Darlison, President of the General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches. He spoke of his experience of interfaith communities and the way that they build on trust and deepen understanding.

The young people had been occupied with coloured scraper boards on which they produced elaborate and interesting pictures.

After the speeches, desserts were served. These had been prepared by the Christian community and each dish was carefully labelled with its ingredients so that everyone’s dietary needs were cared for. At the end of the meal, the evening ended with groups of people from various groups in conversation with each other.