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Daniel ends 15-year wait for a barmitzvah boy

February 26, 2015 12:35
Daniel Knight-Woodhall and Professor Rachel Berkson

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It was a landmark Shabbat for the tiny Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire Hebrew Congregation as Daniel Knight-Woodhall became its first barmitzvah boy in 15 years.

Forty guests from around the country attended the service and kiddush in the congregation's Newcastle-under-Lyme building, which it moved to in 2006. It had previously worshipped in Hanley, three miles away, from 1923.

The barmitzvah boy was presented with an antique kiddush cup by synagogue president Martin Morris, who said: "This now entitles him to become a full member of our shul, to participate in our services, to be counted as a minyan maker - and to pay his subs."

Stoke-on-Trent's 20 active members hail from a wide area. It holds regular Friday night and occasional Shabbat morning services conducted by Professor Rachel Berkson. Until recently, Mr Morris was one of the youngest members - and he turns 59 next week.