Too good to eat: That Cake!

Last Sunday saw the celebration of the Chairman and President of the Bradford Synagogue, Rudi Leavor’s 90th Birthday. The event was held at the Sweet Centre Indian Restaurant on Lumb Lane, which is just around the corner from the Bowland Street Synagogue.

In attendance were many guests, including former Stroud Riley Drummond textile boss Richard Stroud who is a great grandson of  the eminent and esteemed Rabbi Dr Josesph Strauss (1845-1922), the first Rabbi of Bradford, as well as Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah who ousted firebrand Respect Party Leader George Galloway last year. In addition Nigel Grizzard, co-founder of this Making Their Mark project and website which has expanded to become Yorkshire Jewish Heritage Tours was in attendendance. Other notable dignitaries who who wished Rudi many happy returns on this great occasion were the Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Geoff Reid, The Rt Reverend Toby Haworth  Bishop of Bradford and David Jacobs, former Director for Synagogue Partnership at Reform Judaism. Mr Jacobs father was a lifelong good friend of Rudi’s since they first met 68 years ago.

Rudi Leavor with Bishop Toby Haworth and Bradford West MP Naz Shah

Over 100 other guests from communities from across Leeds and Bradford attended the celebration, which was on Sunday 5 June. A cake created as a model of the Synagogue was presented to Rudi, while the previous day at a smaller party at the Synagogue a cake created with decorative scroll and miniature Tallis was skillfully made by long time Synagogue helper Nichola Teale.

The event was reported across various news sources, including the Telegraph and Argus, The Jewish Telegraph and on the website of the Movement for Reform Judaism.

As reported on the Movement For Reform Judaism website.

Press cutting from the Telegraph & Argus

As reported in the Jewish Telegraph. To read the article click the linked picture.

Cake made by Nichola Teale, long time Synagogue helper.

Rudi with Richard Stroud former Drummond’s cheif and descendant of Bradford’s founding Rabbi.

Rudi with Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shaz.