YORK'S Jewish community is to benefit from the return of regular worship to the city for the first time since 1975.

The first Shabbat morning service is due to be held at the Quaker Meeting House in Friargate on Saturday June 14.

Services will then be held on the second Saturday of each month, with children’s activities and Hebrew lessons also planned.

Religious leaders hope to build a vibrant community in the city, scene of the Clifford’s Tower massacre of 1190, where there are 200 known followers of the faith.

York's Jewish Orthodox synagogue closed nearly 40 years ago but people have joined forces to create York Liberal Jewish Community.

It follows a recent move to York by Ben Rich, the cousin of Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive, Rabbi Danny Rich.

Ben, the former Chief Executive of the Movement for Reform Judaism, said: “There is huge potential to build a vibrant community in York, with over 200 residents self-identifying as Jewish and no doubt many more associated with our two universities and teaching hospital.

“Because of York’s history, Jews have traditionally kept their heads down here, but there has always been a community, even in the aftermath of the Clifford’s Tower massacre, and for some time there has been an annual Seder and Chanukah party.

“York’s Liberal Jewish Community now aims to add to what is already on offer, by providing regular services and a friendly Jewish home to any residents, students and visitors to the City of York who identify as Jewish.”

Worshippers turned out in force for a supper to explore the idea held in February at the home of founding member, Ros Clayton.

VIP guest include Liberal Judaism’s Chief Executive, Rabbi Danny Rich, who will lead the first service and has pledged to visit York ten times over the next year.

To find our more, please email Ben at ben@benrich.co.uk or call 07713 509134 or visit www.jewsinyork.org.uk.