Communities and Faiths Come Together for Festivities
Belong Morris Feinmann, the dementia care specialist in Didsbury, has been celebrating Chanukah and Christmas with an extra special approach this year by welcoming local schools, businesses and organisations to share in observing the festivals of different faiths.
Amongst the highlights, the care village, which caters for Manchester’s Jewish population, invited pupils from neighbouring Moor Allerton Preparatory School to join in celebrations over the festive period. The young visitors gathered outdoors in the grounds on Palatine Road to spread Christmas cheer with their own renditions of classic carols, including Jingle Bells, Jingle Bell Rock and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, with Belong Morris Feinmann residents joining in.
Meanwhile, as part of the Jewish festival, Chanukah, (28th November – 6th December), residents from a number of religions came together to sing traditional songs and attempt Hebrew with Jewish liturgical poem, Maoz Tzur, ‘Rock of Ages’, sung after the lighting of festival lights took place.
Angela Luckett, experience and cultural coordinator at Belong Morris Feinmann, provides more detail: “A big part of our ethos at Belong is to facilitate shared experiences involving the community, as no matter faith or age, we can learn from one another whilst enjoying each other’s company.
“So, this year, we thought we’d include our neighbours in the magic and we were pleased to welcome the schoolchildren for an intergenerational carol session, as well as involve our residents in activities from all faiths; everyone has really got a lot from it.”
Kate Unsworth, Headmistress at Moor Allerton Preparatory School, added: “Our students and teachers feel very privileged to be part of this celebration with our neighbours. It was great fun and a lovely morning of singing and chance to come together.”
Other celebrations at Belong Morris Feinmann include musical visits from Northern Chamber Orchestra and Carlton Ensemble string quartet, as well as Chanukah art therapy, visits from local rabbis and an excursion to Sha’are Hayim Synagogue.
