The programme for the first ever Jewish Culture Month has been launched, and its organisers hope it will cultivate “less ‘oy’ and more joy” in the Jewish community and beyond.
Celebrating the range of Jewish cultural contributions from Maimonides to the Sassoons, the Board of Deputies, which is overseeing the month, has published a list of over 100 events from 16 May to 16 June, with the participation of renowned names such as sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor and art historian Monica Bohm-Duchen.
The project has been given the backing of Tracy-Ann Oberman MBE, activist, former Eastenders actress, who said: “The UK Jewish community has given so much to art and culture in the UK. This month-long celebration will be a wonderful opportunity to share some of our greatest hits.”
Talks, exhibitions, and performances will take place at several esteemed venues, including the Tate and the V&A Museum.
“As one of the world’s leading museums of art, design and performance, the V&A is a proud participant in the inaugural Jewish Culture Month,” director Sir Tristram Hunt said. A curator-led tour titled Montefiore to Mentmore, Silver to Scandal will focus on English Jewish ceramics and the at-times “infamous” stories behind them.
Other events include a showcasing of Jewish jazz contributions, a walking tour of East London’s Jewish fashion history, and a textile workshop at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester. A guided walk through the Willesden Jewish Cemetery will focus on Jewish pioneers of science and medicine, while comedian Bennett Arron will perform in Chesham and Hampstead. Family-oriented events are also available throughout, and Shedletsky’s pop-up supper club will celebrate east London’s favourite pickle makers.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy MP, has welcomed the initiative, saying: “ I’m really pleased to support the first UK Jewish Culture Month and look forward to its success among people of all faiths and communities.”
Phil Rosenberg, Board of Deputies President, said the aim of the month was for “both Jewish people and our friends and neighbours of different faiths and beliefs to experience all the light, creativity and laughter of Jewish life in the UK".
He added: “After a difficult few years for the Jewish community, we believe that Jewish Culture Month will be an unmissable opportunity for less ‘oy’ and more joy.”
For more information, go to jewishculturemonth.org.uk
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