The Jewish community of Preston has come together for an evening of music, culture, and connection.

Taking place during early April, the event at Ashton Methodist Church has been described as a warming display of community spirit that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

One of the organisers, Jeremy Dable, told Blog Preston: “For a community where Jewish life has been a delicate and recent resurgence, this gathering was nothing short of a milestone, one that local leaders, friends, and neighbours joined in celebrating.

“Preston’s Jewish population may be small, and without a synagogue to call our own, our gatherings have been modest – Shabbat services every few weeks and the occasional festival. It’s been years since we last celebrated a bar or bat mitzvah.

“But on this special evening, the upper room at the Methodist Church was transformed into a vibrant hub of Jewish expression, thanks to the incredible Rabbi Danny Bergson, stakeholder and engagement manager of the Jewish Representative Council and the rabbi of St Anne’s Hebrew congregation.

“With minimal planning but a lot of heart, we pulled off an evening to remember. We booked the venue, asked Rabbi Danny to bring kosher snacks from Manchester, sent out invitations, and eagerly awaited his arrival. And arrive he did – loaded with enough equipment to rival a performance at the Albert Hall!”

With a mission to celebrate the beauty and positivity of Jewish life, Rabbi Danny’s performance drew from a rich tapestry of Hebrew music, spanning the sacred words of the Siddur and Psalms of David to the lively beats of modern Israeli pop.

Jeremy added: “The haunting melodies, sung in Hebrew, carried a special electricity that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. Danny’s rich, soulful voice lifted our spirits to new heights, marking a moment of cultural pride that Preston’s Jewish community hasn’t experienced in decades.”

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The evening was also a chance to share Jewish heritage with the wider community. Guests included Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe, plus councillors from across the political spectrum, and friends from other faith traditions.

“Together, we revelled in the music, the food, and the shared sense of unity,” said Jeremy.

“The event was more than just a night of entertainment; it was a powerful reminder of the resilience and joy of Jewish culture. For the first time in years, we were able to showcase our traditions not only for ourselves but for the broader Preston community. It’s a spark we hope will ignite more moments like this in the future, bringing light, music, and togetherness to our city.

Rabbi Danny said: “The Jewish community in Preston may be small but they are vibrant, outward looking and welcoming. It was pleasure to join them together to create a ‘positiver Jewish vibe’.”

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