About Us
atimetosaythankyou is a project of UHC Leeds, a synagogue based in Leeds. Conceived by its minister Rabbi Albert Chait MBE in 2018 when he together with his wife and their three children decided on Xmas Day 2018 to visit their local Fire Station, Police Station and the Maternity Ward at the St James’ Hospital to deliver a big hamper of cakes and goodies, good wishes and thanksgiving for the incredible and dedicated service that they provide over the holiday period.
Since then, UHC has continued to grow this initiative to extend it first, across West and North Yorkshire, and then in 2023 in London, North & South Manchester.
Recognising that sadly in a time where Jewish people in Europe were being more associated with the rise of Anti-Semitism, he realised what an opportunity a project like this could be in re-establishing, or re-aligning in the wider sense, what Jewish people should be known for: kindness; compassion; thanksgiving and welfare.
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” We were fortunate to return to where it all began with Monty onto the NeoNatal ward at the LGI.
Ali & Andy, Monty & Reuben Daly-Smith, LGI Neonates
Today couldn’t have been pulled off without the invaluable work and efforts of Naomi Williams and Albert Sebastian Chait “
” Representing the Leeds Jewish Community and UHC Leeds in saying thank you to the firemen and fire ladies at Kirkstall Road Fire Station who risk their lives to save others all year round. Great 3rd day Chanukah activity!”
Paul, Leah & Joshua Mack, Kirkstall Fire Station
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We simply ask for just an hour of your time on Xmas Day together with loved ones and/or friends.
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“An honour to be part of an amazing UHC Synagogue initiative – delivering gifts to those wonderful carers across our city working on Xmas Day. Especially delighted to take chocs for the staff and a Nintendo Switch for the kids on the children’s ward at the LGI. Proud to be part of the Leeds Jewish community.”
Louise, Simon & Joseph Williams and Sue Graham
“We got a really warm reception from the manager and staff at Oakhaven Care Home with a small token of appreciation for working on Xmas day. Just about managed to keep Zara from eating all the chocs prior to delivery.”
Will, Amy, Archie & Zara Maclaren, Oakhaven Care Home
“We were honoured to be part of a huge project for the Leeds Jewish community delivering gifts to all the staff today in the different public sectors around Yorkshire. Anthony and I sang some different songs to the residents whilst Estie danced and they were all so appreciative.“
Charlotte, Anthony & Estie Richard, Ashfield Nursing & Residential Home
“Today we took part in the #ATimetosayThankYou initiative delivering chocolates and thanking those who are spending their holiday away from their loved ones, in order to protect the public. Together, the Jewish community visited and thanked police men and women, fire fighters, medics and many more, at over 130 locations across the region.”
Moshe, Yedidyah & Pliyah Vecht, Morley Fire Station