In the heart of South Manchester, a new Jewish community is taking root. It is vibrant, visionary, and proudly Halachic.
“I didn’t want to compromise, I wanted it all,” says Ulrich Savary, Chair of Kehillat Or Tzion. “A Judaism that is traditional, open to the world, egalitarian, and Zionist.”
That vision, he explains, was the spark that ignited KOT. He wanted a place where his daughter could feel proud and fully included in every aspect of community life. A place where people could feel spiritually alive and socially connected.
Together with founding members Ben Williams, Dan Kyle and Karen Simpson, Ulrich Savary got to work.
In December 2024, that vision took form with a simple Friday night service. Sixteen people turned up. It could have ended there, but something clicked. “From that moment, I knew we were onto something special.”
Since then, the community has grown rapidly. What began as a handful of passionate individuals has become a congregation of over 40 in just a few months. “We’ve gone from a dozen to a full room,” says Dan. “It’s been a whirlwind, in the best way.”
Dan says: “We’re super busy planning regular Shabbat services and chaggim, working out where to get siddurim and chumashim from, and building everything from the ground up.
So far, we’ve been very lucky that we’ve grown through word of mouth – people seem interested in the extra option we can provide for services, and thankfully everyone has been very forgiving as we learn how to do everything ourselves. Lots of people are taking part in services for the first time, or in a different way from how they have before, which is great”
Building a shul from scratch isn’t easy. Volunteers are needed. Infrastructure is still forming. And as Ulrich puts it, “we need to keep things real and grounded.” Yet the community thrives, fuelled by a strong “can-do” mindset. “We dare to try,” he says simply. “And because of that, we’re doing well.”
At the heart of KOT is a welcoming spirit. Every board member sees themselves as a community builder, committed to creating something meaningful, accessible, and inclusive. “People are trying new roles in services,” one member shares. “Some are participating in ways they never have before, and that’s beautiful to witness.”
Word of mouth continues to drive growth, and people are finding opportunities to participate—sometimes for the first time, or in ways they never have before.
The dream is bold: to become the most dynamic, innovative Jewish community in the UK, without ever losing that warm, family feel. Ulrich says: ‘In five years, I want Kehillat Or Tzion to be a place where children are happy to come to shul. I want us to be a place where people feel spiritually alive, socially connected, and intellectually engaged.”
As he puts it: “I hope that KOT will be a beacon for Masorti Judaism in the UK.”
From a small Friday night service to a growing community, Kehillat Or Tzion is a shining example of what’s possible when the determination to grow what’s needed, meets heart-led leadership. If you would like to get involved with this thriving new community, contact:
Tel: 07752 616957
