ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
The first Federation synagogue outside the capital is to be built in Manchester.
Planning permission has been granted for a 200-seat venue for the Ohr Yerushalayim community in Salford, which has been meeting in a rented hall.
Having attracted 18 people to its inaugural service in 2000, the community has grown to a membership of 100 young Orthodox families.
Its permanent two-storey home will be made of Jerusalem stone on the site of a former special needs school. The Federation of Synagogues loaned the community the funds for the site purchase and building work is expected to be completed by spring 2010.
Shul president Dov Black said: “We want it to be a young Jewish community in Manchester today, not a shul from 50 years ago. It will have a study hall, a banqueting suite for 160 people, provide teenage activities and more for women.”