The landmark Jewish cultural institution JW3 has announced it will host a b’mitzvah party this summer as it celebrates turning 13.
Located on Finchley Road in north London, JW3 was established in 2013 with the aim of creating a vibrant, diverse, unified British-Jewish community, inspired by and spotlighting Jewish art, culture and education.
Over the years, it has hosted a range of events from comedy clubs and music shows to pantomimes with a Jewish spin.
Since October 7 2023, it has served as a safe space for British Jews reeling from terror attacks on Israel – in April 2024, the cultural venue staged an event to show solidarity with Israeli pianist Alon Ohel, who was captured on October 7 and was being held hostage in Gaza.
Announcing the anniversary party, which will be held on Sunday June 28, JW3 also unveiled its new roster of events for 2026, and reaffirmed its “commitment to being a place where everyone can celebrate, create and belong”.
This Sunday, the London Jewish Male Choir will play a concert, marking the group’s 100th birthday, while in March the centre will put on this year’s Battle of the Bands, where young musicians compete in front of music industry professionals, with the winner performing at the b’mitzvah party.
In May, children are invited to attend a Shavuot “learn and sing party”, exploring the holiday through song, movement and interactive play.
Commenting on JW3’s milestone birthday, the venue’s CEO Raymond Simonson said: “Turning 13 is a big moment in Jewish life. It’s when we celebrate a young person becoming bar mitzvah, stepping up their level of responsibility within the community.
“As JW3 approaches its own bar mitzvah year, it feels like a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and to step forward with even greater confidence.
He added: “Thirteen years ago we opened the UK’s only Jewish community centre and cultural venue of its kind. Since then, JW3 has grown into a safe space that is proudly Jewish, open to all, and alive with vibrant culture, conversation and community. This new season reflects that coming of age.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.