A very warm welcome to seed Manchester. Based in our fabulous new offices (at 5 Knoll Street , Salford, COME VISIT!), over the last 5 years our northern team has created an exciting, dynamic and innovative branch of the national seed network.

Manchester families have a wide range of choices within which to engage with Judaism and Jewish experiences in an environment of relevance, accessibility, warmth and excellence across the community. Our aim is that there is something of Jewish interest and relevance for everyone in today’s young family; our children, our teens and parents alike.

Our programmes reflect those of national seed, falling within the broad categories of “Early Years” provision, “Parent Academy” and the more in-depth “Live and Learn” study choices.

All however, have evolved here, with the particular hallmark of warmth and magnificent community connectivity that is the best of Manchester living. For information about the particular programmes, with dates and times, see the main site and Manchester calendar.

We feel that Manchester families themselves have become crucial partners in shaping seed Manchester. They are typically vocal in their requests (!) and together we have had, and continue to have, enormous fun in forming a leading community organisation, answering with relevance and creativity, the varied Jewish needs of our city.

Like a ‘tardis’ our team looks tiny but appears to have been blessed with an elasticity that allows us to expand and rise to the many challenges that our community faces us with.

In truth, our team feels huge. It is supported, magnificently, by the hundreds of volunteers, from age 9 upwards who regularly enable us to make the impossible happen.

Based on the classical Jewish ethos that we all thrive when we are giving and purposeful, we make as many opportunities as possible for the young people around us to have a role, a purpose and to begin to fulfil their phenomenal potential.

Early Years

In our Early Years department, Talia Smiith, with teams of volunteers now growing in Prestwich and Whitefield, continues to initiate a range of creative programmes of excellence.

From birth (did you receive a baby pack?), to bris (did you receive a bris pack?), until they start school there is a seed presence adding quality to the Jewish experience of young family life.

Mesibat Shabbat in the Play Lounge at Shrubbs continues to thrive as an early years favourite. Look out for the Mesibat Shabbat CD to be released later this year – it will make a great Chanukah present!

‘Ting A Ling’ - the under-6-sing-along, as part of the give dads an opportunity to have a similar experience with little ones as mums indulge in through the week.

‘One Step Ahead’ groups and ‘Babies and Bagels’ run continuously. Talia’s number, to start your own group or join an existing one, is 0161 792 4506
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Seed in the community

In little over a year, the pioneering community project, has now become an example to which other communities are looking to for inspiration. The aim is to create a positive Jewish environment that is welcoming and engaging, particularly to young families who are, after all, the future of the community.

Shabbat morning is the cornerstone of this innovative vision. Running parallel to the traditional service are a range of activities designed to provide an attractive ‘something-for-everyone’ Jewish experience. The atmosphere is welcoming and alive and Shabbat morning is becoming a more attractive focus for young family life.

Activities include ‘Ting A Ling’, an under- 6-sing-along, activities for all ages up to bar/bat mitzvah, a youth minyan run by the teens themselves, along with other less conventional sessions. One room is known as the ‘We’ve Davened As Much As We Can Room’ (!) filled with board games and snacks. Informal discussions and classes take place around the campus, presenting teens and adults, less inclined to participate in a traditional service, with an accessible and relaxed experience in which they can explore Jewish identity at their own pace. The family Kiddush, prepared and presented by volunteers, has become infamous. Table tennis, giant chess, treasure hunts and feasting are a great recipe for Shabbat morning family time.
‘Monday Night Choices’, The Early Years ‘Play Lounge’ and many other ‘around the year’ activities are running under the community partnership.

It seems that throughout this next year, other local communities will be piloting similar projects with seed’s support. Watch this space...

Parent Academy

Our service to King David and Bury and Whitefield school families has strengthened this year with the presence of Rabbi Yechiel Emanuel of Whitefield, as part of the seed team. Opportunities range from family creative days complementing the school curriculum, various study options enabling us to support our children’s learning, parenting classes and seed creative involvement with PTA events.

Don’t forget to check school notice boards and school bags as well as the website for details throughout the year.

Live and Learn

We aim continuously in our ‘Live and Learn’ department to service your educational needs. For some, the highlight is a ‘Home Group’ - a relaxed discussion evening with friends. For others, it’s the increasingly popular family ‘Power Learning’ where we come to you once a week and round the kitchen table, with all the family, begin an engaging, 20 minute, Jewish debate. For others it’s the traditional one to one learning, a class or a lecture. Whatever your preference, give us a call and we guarantee an enriching experience. 792 4440.