Community
New rabbinic couple appointed to Sephardic Congregation of South Manchester
Rabbi Yair and Rabbanit Ilana will now lead the UK’s second-largest Sephardi community
December 30, 2025 15:40
Rabbi Yair and Rabbanit Ilana will now lead the UK’s second-largest Sephardi community
December 30, 2025 15:40Sha’are Hayim, the Sephardic Congregation of South Manchester, has appointed a new rabbinic couple to lead the congregation.
Rabbi Yair Fries and his wife, Rabbanit Ilana, will assume leadership of the UK’s second-largest Sephardi community after receiving unanimous approval at an extraordinary general meeting last week.
Rabbi Yair was born in Kfar Saba, Israel, and Rabbanit Ilana in Antwerp, Belgium. They lived in Israel together for two years before moving to Antwerp, and have now settled in the UK in 2004.
Rabbi Yair brings extensive halachic knowledge to the role, having held rabbinic positions in Hillock and Beit Yisrael in Brussels, as well as serving as assistant minister to Sha’are Hayim. He has also worked with the Manchester Beth Din.
Rabbanit Ilana is the daughter of the world-renowned Chazan Benjamin Muller and has over 15 years of experience as an educator.
The Fries replace the long-serving Rabbi Amir and Tova Ellituv, who have recently relocated to London.
Rabbi Fries said he is “excited and proud to have the honour of leading this prestigious congregation with my wife, and we very much look forward to overseeing the future progression of the congregation and especially developing the large number of youths".
Jonathan Dwek, Chair of Council at Sha’are Hayim, said the congregation is delighted with the couple’s appointment.
“They have charm, warmth and that kindness about them that we have been used to from many years’ loyal service from Rabbi Amir and Tova Ellituv,” he said.
“Whilst we shall all miss the Ellituvs, this is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for Rabbi Yair and Rabbanit Ilana, and for the whole congregation. We wish them much success, happiness and fulfilment in their new role.”
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