The United Synagogue

Leeds Community Marks 60 Days: Israel Edition

PRESS RELEASE

London,
6th May 2008

LEEDS COMMUNITY MARKS 60 DAYS: ISRAEL EDITION

The Leeds Jewish community turned out in force on Wednesday for a special evening to mark the 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel edition booklet, produced by the United Synagogue and TRIBE to mark Israel’s 60th anniversary. The event was held at the Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Community Centre and hosted by the Ziff Family who sponsored the book in honour of Arnold Ziff zt”l and Marjorie Ziff.

Since the launch date of the 60 days book on March 9th, thousands of participants all over the world have read one essay a day from the book to commemorate and celebrate each year of Israel’s establishment, its achievements and also to remember the lives that have been lost there due to war or terror. As part of the Leeds communal event, the essay for that day was appropriately read by its author, Rabbi Daniel Levy of Leeds Hebrew Congregation. A message was also screened from the Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, and an inspirational address was given on the history and scope of the project by David Kaplan, US Community Division Director with the event culminating in a memorial prayer for the members of the IDF who have fallen in battle and the Hatikvah.

On behalf of the Ziff family, Edward Ziff thanked the Tribe/60 Days team for delivering such a high quality and high impact project

David Kaplan said: “It was a privilege to be at a 60 days event in Leeds, in the presence of the Ziff family in the centre that bears there name. Their vision and passion for this project has enabled us to take this project both nationwide and worldwide and thus creating an opportunity for Jews around the world to unite and reflect on the miracle of Israel.”


-End-


EDITORS’ NOTES: -

Photo: Michael, Marjorie and Edward Ziff with David Kaplan, US Community Division Director

60 Days for 60 Years: Israel

From the launch date on March 9th for 60 days, thousands of participants all over the world have been reading one essay a day from the book to commemorate and celebrate each year of Israel’s establishment, its achievements and also to remember the lives that have been lost there due to war or terror. The final reading will take place on Yom Hazikaron, the day before Israel’s 60th celebrations.

Over 100,000 copies of the 60 Days for 60 Years: Israel book have been distributed worldwide including the United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Israel. A complimentary copy of the book has been sent to every United Synagogue household and Tribe members over the age of 11. The project has also been taken on by a number of other communities including ones from Leeds, Glasgow and Newcastle and UK organisations such as Aish and UJS.

The book features short essays covering topics relating to Israel, Jewish medical ethics, Jewish identity and Halacha, and they have been written by authors such as the Chief Rabbi, Sir Martin Gilbert, Alan Dershowitz, and Esther Wachsman.

TRIBE

TRIBE is part of the United Synagogue and works with the young people in the community. TRIBE helps its members feel part of the United Synagogue family by supporting and encouraging communities to run projects for their young people and by providing real benefits directly to its members. TRIBE is split into four age groups Kids, Teens, Campus and 20s+. Tribe is open to any Jew from the moment they are born until the age of 30. For further information on TRIBE, please visit www.tribeuk.com


For further information, please contact:

Nikki Ginsberg
The PR Office
Work: 020 7383 3623
Email: us@theproffice.com