The Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue in Leeds is going into the bakery business to satisfy a local kosher need.
BHH intends to open a bakery by the end of March — with a coffee shop to follow after Pesach — in the entrance area of the synagogue complex in what was once the home of the defunct drama group, Limelight. It will stock artisan bread and challah and pastries and cakes.
The shul executive last week received planning permission for change of use and major refurbishment and is meeting the £100,000 start-up costs through loans and donations. It will be run as a commercial enterprise, opening six days a week, and draw on the talents of an experienced master baker.
BHH is also looking to recruit a patisserie chef and two trainee chefs.
Shul president Leon Davidson said it was “an exciting enterprise. My team is looking forward to offering Leeds a Beth Din approved kosher bakery,” something the community had lacked for seven years.
The shul has formed a board of directors to manage the business comprising Mr Davidson, Jonathan Straight, Martin Lee, Colin Grazin and Abigail Cohen.