B’nai B’rith Cheshire

Put simply we aim to enrich our Jewish identity by having a good time together and doing some good in the world.

Our regular Sunday evening programme kept us going on Zoom through the pandemic. When we got back to meeting in-person in March 2022, we moved to holding these events at a local synagogue rather than members’ homes, giving us more space and excellent facilities. 

BB Cheshire Installations January 2023

BB Cheshire members visited Upton House in May 2022 as part of a tour of Country Houses of Jewish interest

Activities

Our programme includes both external speakers and Lodge members, with talks on a wide range of topics of Jewish or more general interest. We also have a rich diet of entertainments including:

  • Quizzes
  • Play Readings
  • Concert, Theatre, Cinema, and Museum Visits
  • Country Rambles
  • Dinners
  • BBQs

Basically, if a member has an idea for an activity, we try and help them bring it to fruition.

For many years, we have arranged trips to explore Jewish heritage, both in the UK and further afield. We visited the Netherlands in May 2023 and Ireland in May 2024.

Fundraising and Social Action

We turn the principles of B’nai B’rith into practice, through fundraising and social action. We raise funds for BBUK’s charitable projects as well as for Jewish and non-Jewish charities in the Cheshire/Manchester area, greatly helped by our well-regarded ‘am-dram’ troupe that puts on murder mysteries for ourselves and other organisations. Over the last few years, we have developed a relationship with the Mustard Tree charity, working to combat poverty, prevent homelessness and help with employment in Greater Manchester; we hold a food collection at Pesach and Shavuot which is generously supported by our members.

BB Cheshire delivers twice-yearly food collection to Mustard Tree - Pesach 2024

The History of B’nai B’rith Cheshire 

Cheshire Unity Lodge was founded in 1973 as the first Unity Lodge in the UK; it enabled young married couples to participate together. This made 2023 our Jubilee Anniversary, which we celebrated over the year. In 2020, we changed our name to B’nai B’rith Cheshire, to underline that individuals are always welcome as new members. Through the fellowship and friendships that develop, we are there for each other through the ups and downs of life. Belonging to B’nai B’rith Cheshire goes way beyond the calendar of events!