Back Row(L-R) R' Dovid Kauffman, R' Yossi Dansky, R' Nochum Salomon, R' Shmuel Korn, R' Yitzchok Katz, R' Doniel Stern.
Front Row (L-R) Harav Noson Krausz, Harav Ahron Kramer, Harav Elchonon Cohen.

• The population of the Leeds Jewish Community, the third largest in the UK after London and Manchester, is near 10,000 (the exact number is not known. According to the National Survey, as well as Shul memberships, the number is around 6,500. Seemingly, there are many unaffiliated Jews who do not identify themselves as Jews). Around two-thirds of the community are of the older generation, and one-third of the younger generation.
   
• There is a definite awakening to Judaism in the younger generation (the under 40’s). Although they are not yet necessarily on the road to becoming observant, however they express a strong sense of Jewish identity, as well as an interest in a revived and vibrant community.
   
• There are over 50 Jewish organisations under the umbrella of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council. These include Shuls, the nursing home, the Welfare Board, the Housing Association, schools, Chevra Kaddisha and the Mikve. The local Chabad is very active in the community. Leeds also has a Beis Din with its own Shechita, which was headed for many years by Dayan Refson z”l who recently tragically passed away in the current pandemic. At the moment Rabbi Kupperman, Rov of the Etz Chaim Shul in Leeds has taken over the Dayan’s various roles.
   
• There are three main Shuls, each with some 700 families members. Each of these run daily Minyonim. In addition, there are three smaller Shuls, two of which hold Minyanim on Shabbos.
   
• There are two Jewish primary schools. Brodetsky has some 300 students. The homes of these students are on varied levels of observance. The Menorah School is with all the families on a high level of observance, where the Kollel children are pupils.
   
• There is one Jewish High school with several dozen students. This school opened in 2014. Until then, close to 100 pupils travelled daily to Manchester’s King David, whereas now practically all of the Jewish high school age pupils either attend the Jewish High school or other local schools.
   
• Shul Attendance. On an average Shabbos, approximately 500 attend all the Shuls combined. During the week, the Shuls hold daily Minyonim.
   
• Over the nearly ten years that the Kollel has been in Leeds, they have been impressed by the interest in Jewish learning, growth and education within the community. There is a great demand for learning, with all ages becoming involved and the participation in Jewish events and programs is very promising.
   

In 2011, Rabbi Ahron Kramer met with the Leeds community Rabbis and several community lay leaders. He encountered strong enthusiasm to the idea of establishing a Community Kollel in Leeds.

Over a period of three years, with thorough research and planning, painstaking persistence, against many odds and extreme challenges, the impossible happened! On May 11 2014 the Kollel celebrated its grand opening in the presence of Chief Rabbi Mirvis, local Rabbonim, community lay leaders, and committee members from Manchester.

The Rosh Kollel is Rabbi Ahron Kramer. The Roshei Chabura are Rabbi Noson Krausz and Rabbi Elchonon Cohen. The Rov of the Kollel is Rabbi Yaakov Wreschner. All the Avreichim reside in Leeds.

Aside from the Rosh Kollel and Roshei Chabura, there are currently eight Avreichim in the Kollel.

The internal standard of the Kollel is very high, with the Avreichim constantly growing in their learning. Initially they learnt Meseches Sukka, followed by Meseches Beitza, continuing on to Meseches Nida, also learning Hilchos Nida. They were tested on Hilchos Nida by Dayan Refson of Leeds z"l and Dayan Westheim z"l of Manchester, both who were very impressed by the knowledge and level of learning and understanding of the Avreichim.. This was followed by Meseches Chulin. For the "lockdown" period, the Kollel learnt Meseches Makkos, and presently they are learning Meseches Pesochim.

Many Rabbonim have come to speak in the Kollel. Amongst the notable figures who have come are Rabbi Gavriel Knopfler, Rosh Yeshiva of Sha’rei Torah in Manchester, and Rabbi Mordchai Yosef Karnowsky, Mashgiach of Yeshiva Gedola in Gateshead.

At the conclusion of Meseches Sukka, the Kollel published a kuntrus with Chidushei Torah which were said over in the Kollel by the Rosh Chabura, Rosh Kollel, and Avreichim.

The establishment of the Kollel was done through the “front door” of the community. As a vital component in the planning of the Kollel, connections were built up with the lay leaders in the community, both Rabbonim and askonim. This paved the way for the Kollel to be warmly accepted by the community from the time of its inception.

The Kollel families are all wonderful examples of true Bnei Torah, with modest and super fine character traits. By just being there, they are exposing the community to the pleasant lifestyle of religious Jews, and are a cause of great Kiddush Hashem!

Community members greatly enjoy being guests for Shabbos meals, and joining our events.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that many in the community truly cherish the Kollel. In addition, there is absolutely no animosity at all towards the Kollel.

The nucleus around us growing in snowball fashion. We should be recognised by the community as a whole, in a most positive way, as a generator of the warmth of Yiddishkeit, and of Torah knowledge and practice. As this happens, the Kollel will need to grow, and in addition outsiders will see Leeds as an attractive Frum community. This will have a spiral effect on continuing to build up the community.

OUR WISHLIST

FUNDING FOR:

• An additional 5 members, enabling us to reach our desired strength. The cost of this totals £60,000.
• Bringing over national/international speakers/celebrities to lift up the influence, prestige, and effectiveness of the Kollel.
• Training the Kollel body (both men and women) in effective outreach and public speaking.
• Programmes and events, allowing them to be done, and done correctly without having to cut corners, for maximum effectiveness.

CONTACT US

Leeds Office: 17 Primley Park View, Leeds LS17 7LA 
Manchester Office: 431 Bury New Road, Salford, M7 4ED
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 07913193654
Bank account details: Leeds Kollel, TSB, sort code 771909, account number  34289268