Chester Hebrew Congregation

The Chester Jewish Community is a small group of households, who meet periodically.

Ian is the current linchpin of the community.
He says...
"We have established links with both Liverpool and Manchester communities and secured the services of a Rabbi to come and address meetings / give talks often relating to the high holidays. We have also established Hebrew / Jewish studies lessons via skype for children in the community. We regularly hear from people moving to Chester for work and would welcome new people to come and  join us."

Historically the synagogue was at Bollard's Court, Whitefriars (until at least 1948), and prior to then (from 1894 until 1900), services were held in a room in Union Hall.

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50 Comments

  2. Albert Hardy

    As a non- Jewish person I would like to extend my love and encouragement to the Jewish communities at this time of vicious reactionary demonstrations against the defence of Israel.
    Keep up your courage, and be assured of the support of those, like me, who oppose this further onslaught of terrorism against Israel.

  4. sharon rose

    So pleased to see that there is now a community of jews in Chester who communicate.
    I was a member of Menorah Synagogue, Manchester, but am now living part time in Chester and America.
    Love to know more about community events.

    Shalom
    Sharon

  5. Dafydd rawlinson

    Hi my name is dafydd ( David ) to non Welsh, I am looking to convert to Judaism as I believe my past family were Jewish many years ago… The surname of Rawlinson. I am currently in West Wrexham and I believe there is somewhere in Llandudno, however, I would like to know if there is anywhere closer such as Wrexham or surrounding area? Also could I have some guidance with regards to conversion, I am 38 and believe it is the right choice for me both spiritually and personally. Thank you for your time

  8. Sara

    Hi Ian
    I wondered if you can help my dad is currently self isolating in Chester. I would like to organise some challah and kosher meals contactless delivery but am not sure where to order anything from. Please can you point me in the right directing

  9. ian roe

    I received the following comment from Saul Marks who runs a genealogy service http://www.brotherswish.com

    In the Victorian era, some Chester Jewish marriages were done under the auspices of Princes Road, but they may well have kept their own registers eventually.

    It shouldn’t necessarily matter if the enquirer wants a copy of the marriage certificate though, as he/she can order it from the GRO at gro.gov.uk (having first got the various details from the marriage index at freebmd.org.uk.

    hope this helps

  14. Alex Goldsmith

    Storyhouse Cinema is taking part in the national celebration of the musical and this Sunday will be screening the classic 1984 Barbra Streisand film “Yentl”!

    This is a beautiful movie from a star proud of her identity and Jewish heritage who wrote, directed and produced the movie against numerous Hollywood rejections. Streisand’s impassioned treatment of the themes of family, love, loss and the overcoming of adversity ensured it was a hit.

    http://www.storyhouse.com/event/yentl

  18. ian roe

    Hi, We very rarely have services anymore owing to our small number and the difficulty in getting a group together. We do have meetings from time to time and a visiting Rabbi from Manchester. I can add you to the mailing list if you send me an email address

  22. Helen

    Hi, I’m looking to move to Denbighshire. I’m currently a member of two small communities, Hereford and Gloucester. Are your services and meetings held in Chester? Are there any members attending who are living in Denbighshire?
    Kind regards
    Helen

  25. Ian Roe

    Hi, Alex, I’m afraid there is no active congregation as such and meetings are infrequent so probably not much help in terms of what you seek. Perhaps a further direct dialogue outside this forum would be useful to establish your needs and how we could support you.

    In terms of conversion, I recommend you contact a Rabbi. You should also consider where you will be living after graduation as I believe it would be difficult to convert without being in close proximity to a Synagogue and a Rabbi to guide you. If you will be in the North West Liverpool or Manchester are the main centres for this.

  26. Alex

    I’m a student at the University of Chester who is seriously considering converting to Judaism once my course is complete. I’m aware that there is only so much of Jewish life I can experience on my own and would like to start becoming more involved with the community. I was wondering if the congregation is still active and would be open to having me come along, and if so when/where do you meet? Thanks 🙂

  28. Jessica Maden

    Hi I live in Chester,
    I am a jewish transgender woman and I am formerly chareidi; and formerly from Manchester.
    I have experience in Jewish studies.

    I’ve taught privately and I shadowed children in a chareidi school in Manchester for 15 years and I hold various qualifications on teaching Jewish studies etc..

    I also studied ten years in a kolel after studying Jewish studies in yeshiva for the primary years of my life.

    I am currently unemployed as a result of leaving my former chareidi commumity
    I am looking for work.

    I do Skype and online communication.
    If you know of any leads that would be greatly appreciated.
    Many thanks.
    Jessica

  30. Daniel

    Hi to all.
    I’ve moved to Chester about 5 months ago
    Didn’t know there was a Jewish community in Chester until recently
    I’m new to Chester, and will be more than happy to make some new friends.
    I can read and write in Hebrew.

    How can I get in touch ?

  32. Carol feely

    Hi I wish to learn Hebrew and fellowship with Jewish people. I have been to Childwall Synagogue in Liverpool on an open day but would love to share Shabbat with new friends My gt grandfather came to England from Germany and changed his name and I am researching my family history

  37. Sharon Davies

    Hi, would you be able to put me in touch with a Liberal Rabbi? My grandmother is a Sabra, and she lives in Wrexham. She is well, but in her latter years. As a family we thought we would ask, so at least we could be a little more prepared should we need one.

    Kind regards

    Sharon

  39. Sally Guttmann

    Hurrah, I’ve found a contact at last.We only moved to Chester, from Surrey, fairly recently and my husband, one of the Kindertransporte ,is now wheelchair bound and living in a Mollington care home. He is desperate for some good conversation and we would love it if you have a member who could visit him occasionally to make a change from me and the family. I am not Jewish but we respect faiths and my husband is proud of his background of which he has great knowledge. Speaks and writes Hebrew, and recalls his younger days constantly now.

  41. Ian Roe

    We have established links with both Liverpool and Manchester communities and secured the services of a Rabbi to come and address meetings / give talks often relating to the high holidays. We have also established Hebrew / Jewish studies lessons via skype for children in the community. We would welcome new members and families in the area to join us.

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