Harrogate Hebrew Congregation member Bill Jerome celebrated his 100th birthday by reading the entire Maftir and Haftarah at the shul on Shabbat.
At the conclusion, the centenarian received a standing ovation from the congregation, including friends and family who had travelled from as far afield as Australia, Canada and Monaco.
Describing his performance as “phenomenal”, senior warden Lionel Shrago said: “We will never see the like of this again.”
Mr Jerome — a former textile mill owner from Shipley — thanked the synagogue for its support. After a week of celebrations with his two sons, five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, he is busily planning for the future.
“I’ve booked a cruise for next July. I enjoy the company and the food and if I can get a game of bridge then I’ll be delighted.”