Communal personalities in Leeds and Scotland have spoken of their pride in their New Year Honours, recognising in particular contributions during the pandemic.

An MBE went to Chazan Alby Chait, senior minister of the United Hebrew Congregation in Leeds, who launched a popular online musical service, drawing a worldwide audience.

One service, recorded at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium during Chanukah in 2020, was viewed by “an eye-watering” 20,000 people.

He said he had received messages from infrequent shul-goers, including a man living 40 miles away from his nearest synagogue, who said the services had rekindled his relationship with Judaism.

The 35-year-old – chosen as one of the JC’s Covid Heroes – is also an NHS chaplain.
He said the pandemic had demonstrated “the fragility of life. I realised that Judaism is sacred. It is the strength in challenging times.

It had been “amazing” to celebrate his honour with his family, paying tribute to his wife Gila, whose “patience has been out of this world”.

However, there was regret that his parents, Chazan Henry and Helena Chait, had not lived to see it, having died last year.

Both had given “their lives for the sake of the community”, and had taught him the same values.

In Glasgow, a volunteer who helped distribute thousands of household essentials to elderly Jews in the city during lockdown was honoured with a BEM.

Joe Freedman, 73, launched a volunteering drive in March 2020 with Ethne Woldman, who already holds an MBE.

He said his award was “an honour for Glasgow and for the Glasgow community and the way it rose up to the challenge of this problem”.

Mr Freedman and Ms Woldman recruited 85 younger volunteers to deliver food, prescriptions and donations including floral arrangements to residents’ doorsteps.

“Ethne also arranged a befriending group so that people that were lonely could be phoned.”
Working with various congregations and volunteers, they additionally brought donated hand sanitiser, masks and gloves to Jewish community members.

Although the initiative ended in June, Mr Freedman said it could be reactivated if the need dictated.

He had been heartened by the “outstanding” response.

“It was like a silver lining in the clouds. It just shows how vibrant the Glasgow community is when under pressure.”