I live quite close to a synagogue in south Manchester, where I have several Jewish friends. Since 2023 I have done frequent security duties as a volunteer at the synagogue. Members of the congregation know that I am an artist, and a member of the committee ‘volunteered’ me for a commission. The brief was quite challenging: the idea was to present the rabbi, who was moving on to pastures new, with a surprise gift: an image representative of his many years of service at two local synagogues.

I decided on a montage of images. And I decided that the best medium was pen-and-ink with watercolour wash, despite this not being a medium I normally work in. The completed work was presented at a large event to show gratitude and best wishes to the departing rabbi.I couldn’t be at the even due to other commitments, but was pleased to learn that that the rabbie and the community were delighted with the artwork.

Detail showing the Ner Tamid (Eternal Light) and the Ark