A TASTE OF JR

If you haven’t seen a copy of JR before, here’s a hint of what to expect. To the right you'll find a complete issue download and below are sample articles that have appeared in previous issues of the magazine. These will give you a good idea of the kinds of stories we cover: from politics to theatre productions via revolutions, exotic cuisine and Jews from around the world. If you like what you see, simply click below to subscribe or give JR as a present to a friend or loved one.

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From Lithuania to Africa, a family story

Growing up in 1980s Johannesburg, Kenneth Bonert didn’t fully grasp that his grandmother was part of a unique but fading world of Lithuanian immigrants who had settled in South Africa in the early 20th century. Here he reflects on the legacy of these distinctive pioneers © Courtesy of Kenneth Bonert

The Ukrainian haggadahs offering a taste of freedom

Despite ongoing talk of a ceasefire, Ukrainians are entering a fourth year of war. Marina Sapritsky-Nahum explores how the country's Jewish communities are finding strength and comfort in a series of newly translated texts this Passover © Getty

Drawing from the depths

An exhibition focusing on war, torture and death might not sound the most appealing start to the new year – but don’t be deterred, Drawing the Unspeakable is a moving testimony to the power of human connection. Rebecca Taylor speaks to the curators, broadcaster David Dimbleby and his daughter Liza © David Edwards

“This is the conversation that needs to be had”

From marriage and parenting to the Holocaust and Hamas, nothing is off limits in a startling new play about Jewish identity. Aviva Dautch speaks to its writer Nathan Englander, director Patrick Marber and lead actor Joshua Malina to find out more. Photo © Matt Crocket

Vulvas, body paint and breast milk: Welcome back, Judy Chicago

For more than 50 years, Judy Chicago has been shaking up the art world with her trailblazing feminist work. A London retrospective reveals she’s still a force to be reckoned with, says Hettie Judah. Image: Peeling Back by Judy Chicago

What does shock look like?

Since 7 October, Israeli artists have been grappling with how to portray the terrible events of that day, and the ensuing war in Gaza. Peter Watts speaks to Shirel Horovitz to hear how artists are responding to the attacks and their aftermath. Image: Aza's Guernica by Raida Adon

Inking for Israel

Following the attacks of 7 October, some Jews are showing pride in their heritage and solidarity with Israel by tattooing Jewish symbols on their bodies. Alex Galbinski reports. Photo © Rob Greig

Corbyn & Brexit taught me to be vigilant

As JR launches its initiative to support emerging journalists, leading political columnist Rafael Behr explores how the recent upheavals in British life have forced him to reassess his identity. Photo © Alamy

A love letter to Liverpool

Linda Grant’s ninth novel traces the story of one family from the flour mills of Latvia to the suburbs of Liverpool and post-war Soho. Louise Ellman, formerly the MP for Liverpool Riverside, speaks to the writer about the pull of Merseyside’s famous city and the ties that bind to a past elsewhere. Photo © Alamy

CALL OF THE WILD

For almost 200 years, Jews have been making inroads – for business or prayer – into one of the remotest corners of the world: the Amazon rainforest. Today, many are also involved in protecting this unique place. Alan Grabinsky reports. Photo © Alamy

“LIVE YOUR LIFE LIKE A KITE IN THE SKY”

Etgar Keret had been trying to write about his mother since her death three years ago. But it wasn’t until he was offered the chance to create an exhibition for the Jewish Museum Berlin that he was finally able to bring her to life on the page. Rebecca Taylor speaks to the Israeli writer about the show, which features nine new stories from Keret, and his mother’s distinctive and defiant worldview. Photo © Roman Maerz

“WHAT WOULD GRACE MAKE OF THIS WORLD WE’RE IN?”

The daughter of Ukrainian immigrants, the acclaimed writer Grace Paley grew up in the Bronx in New York in the 1920s. On the centenary of her birth, her friend and one-time student Joan Silber reflects on the influences that shaped her fiction and committed political activism. Photo © Diana Mara Henry / dianamarahenry.com

THE REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT OF THE DYBBUK

When Habima staged its production of The Dybbuk in Moscow 100 years ago, it marked a defining moment in theatre history. Edna Nahshon explores the background to this radical production. Photo from the archives of the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research

“WE ALL DIED AGAIN IN BABYN YAR”

The outcry by Ukrainians over the recent bombing near the Holocaust memorial at Babyn Yar reveals a country that is re-examining its recent history. Amelia Glaser spotlights the poets who are reflecting this fresh scrutiny in their work. Photo © Reuters / Alamy

A POETIC ODYSSEY: FROM AN AFGHAN POPPY FIELD TO THE CALAIS ‘JUNGLE’

The Afghan journalist and poet Suhrab Sirat arrived in the UK after a journey that only ended after crossing the English Channel in the back of a refrigerated container. Aviva Dautch speaks to the writer about the poetry that emerged from this experience and his fears and hopes for those left behind in his home country. Photo © Alamy

MUSIC: THE HOUSE THAT SERGE BUILT

Two decades after the death of chansonnier Serge Gainsbourg, his Parisian home is set to open as a museum. Dorian Lynskey takes a dive into the complicated, musical and Jewish roots of the great man. Photo © Alamy

IS THIS THE END FOR THE GREAT MALE NOVELIST BIO?

The reverberations of the scandal over the latest Philip Roth biography might just sound the death knell for the era of doorstopping biographies.

MUSIC: A CLOAK-AND-DAGGER OPERATION

Israeli-Persian singer Liraz tells Danielle Goldstein how the musical journey of her latest album has been accompanied by secrecy, fear of arrest and worse. Photo © Ronen Fadida

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