‘On the eighth day’: Jews and Manchester

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of Manchester Jewry from the beginnings of the world’s first industrial town in the eighteenth century through to today. It shows how Jews have contributed to the idea of Manchester exceptionalism and been part of the city’s heritage and culture although not always regarded as ‘Manchester men’. The concept of cosmopolitanism is utilised to explore whether this was used to include or marginalise the Jews as people of migrant origin. Different waves of Jewish migration are charted and the relations between Jews of different origins and class explored to show both communal solidarity and conflict.