Our Vice President and Board of Deputies (BOD) representative, Michelle Morris, was privileged to attend a BOD unique event held at Bevis Marks synagogue. This magnificent Sephardi synagogue founded in 1701 is the oldest synagogue in the UK.
After meeting up with Gillian Moonman from Southport Hebrew Congregation beforehand Michelle and Gillian attended a most fascinating and insightful afternoon listening to The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby (who insisted on being addressed as Justin as opposed to Your Grace) interviewed by Simon Seabag Montefiore (call me Simon) whose parents were themselves married at Bevis Marks synagogue.
The Archbishop spoke openly about his own childhood, about having a Jewish stepfather and an alcoholic mother. He spoke about how important it is to support the safety of Jewish students on campus and that Universities should be fined if they are found not to support not only Jewish students but those other minority students. He was thanked by the President of the BOD, Marie Van der Zyl for so openly supporting the Jewish community in the dark threatening days of the Corbyn era in December 2019.
The afternoon ended all too soon with Archbishop Justin telling all present about the rehearsals for the Coronation, the day itself and the story behind the anointment oil with his own candid sense of humour.
Archbishop Justin and Simon spent time in the Courtyard afterwards speaking to guests.
My photography isn’t great but it’s a good shot of the back of former member Tony Sloame’s head!!