7 March 2016

More than 50 people turned out for the first Jewish service in Scarborough in living memory this weekend.

Held at Albermarle Baptist Church, the service was organised as part of an outreach programme by York Liberal Jewish Community (YLJC) and led by their Student Rabbi Daniel Lichman. Yasmin King, who lectures locally, helped to arrange the event.

Among those present were the Ted and Ruth Sulman, who have owned a gift and toy shop in the town for 40 years, Joyce Wright, who has also lived in the area for 40 years. A number of families from nearby Whitby attended and are now considering organising a similar event there.

Commenting afterwards, YLJC chair Ben Rich said: “This shows that there are people identifying as Jewish in pretty much every part of the country. If our community is going to continue to grow and thrive we need to reach out to where people are, rather that waiting for them to come to us.”

After the service, some of the attendees headed to the beach (pictured).