Chabad Lubavitch Leeds
Leeds is currently acclaimed as the fastest growing city in the UK, and we at Chabad Lubavitch Leeds are certainly upbeat about the growth of Jewish life here. The Jewish population is on an upward trend, and Jewish awareness has never been so enthusiastic.
Chabad Lubavitch Leeds opened in 1975 with the arrival of Rabbi Yirmiyahu and Mrs Shoshana Angyalfi. They immediately became deeply involved in many areas of Leeds Jewish communal life, initiating Lubavitch activities for all sectors of the community. Their success paved the way for a second family of Shluchim in 1980, when Rabbi Reuven and Mrs Ruth Cohen arrived to continue developing the work, especially with youth.
The Chabad Lubavitch Centre was purchased in 1986, first home to a Rabbinic Academy and later to a Shluchim programme. Today the Centre is used weekly for minyanim on Shabbat, as well as for adult and children's programmes. The Danows, Pinks and Chazans have since moved to Leeds, and an additional Chabad Centre has opened on the Leeds campus.
Landmarks in the history of Lubavitch in Leeds
Lubavitch Shluchim from New York visit on summer programmes.
Important Rabbonim in Leeds begin correspondence and visits to the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
Rabbi Yirmiyahu and Mrs Shoshana Angyalfi arrive as the first full-time Shliach, establishing a permanent branch of the Lubavitch Foundation in Leeds.
Dayan Yehuda Refson z"l and his wife Mrs Ettie Refson ybchl"ch arrive in Leeds, and he is appointed Rabbi of Shomrei Hadass. They open the Leeds Menorah School in 1978.
Lubavitch expands. A third Rabbi, Rabbi Reuven Cohen, with his wife Ruth, arrives in Leeds and establishes the Lubavitch Youth Organization.
The first Giant Menorah in Europe is built in Leeds by Rabbi R. Cohen. It remains one of the largest of its kind to this day.
The Tanya, the foundational philosophical work of the Alter Rebbe, founder of Lubavitch, is printed in Leeds.
The Lubavitch Leisure and Cultural Centre opens on Shadwell Lane, providing regular activities for all ages.
A Rabbinic Academy opens to attract young talent to the English rabbinic scene. Alumni Rabbi Mendel and Chana Sufrin join the UHC rabbinic staff, and later BHH.
The Lorie Library opens in the Lubavitch Communal Centre.
Mr Chaim and Ruth Bell join the staff of the Leeds Menorah School.
Leeds Gan Israel Day Camp becomes the largest in Europe.
Chabad Lubavitch expands by adding new staff, greatly increasing its scope of activities.
The Shluchim Programme starts, allowing a vast range of new activities to take place.
The Chabad Lubavitch Leisure and Cultural Centre expands with the opening of the Roots Room.
Rabbi Michoel and Chana Sorah Danow and family join the staff and open the Leeds Student Chabad House on campus. Rabbi Eli and Dabrushy Pink and family also join, taking responsibility for educational activities, and an affiliate of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute opens at the Communal Centre.
The Jewish Heritage Centre for Children (JHCC, aka the Shtetl) opens, educating thousands of children about Judaism. A new Young Professionals department launches in collaboration with Beth Hamidrash Hagadol, called JMT Events, joining the Chabad Young Professionals network.
Rabbi Mendy and Bunie Chazan and family join the staff and open a branch of CTeen, the Chabad Teen Network. A Teen Loft opens in the Chabad Lubavitch Centre.
The Shluchos Programme opens, with seminary graduates coming to support Chabad Lubavitch activities. The Hebrew School, Hebrew's Cool Club, opens.
Rabbi Sholem and Devorah Leah Kalmenson join the team as Directors of CKids, expanding our children's activities.
