Autumn 2025
Meet the artists // See who’s making a mark this autumn
For our Autumn issue, we’re extending the summer by taking you to historic Ferrara. With a rich Jewish history, the Italian city offers a fascinating journey through time – from its beautifully preserved medieval ghetto, explored for us by historian David Abulafia, to the evocative streets and gardens that inspired novelist Giorgio Bassani. Back at home, we celebrate contemporary art with a spotlight on the six creatives awarded a place on our Artists’ Development Scheme, which supports creatives in exploring Jewishness through their work. Andrew Pulver approaches the 'elephant in the room', Woody Allen's debut novel; we sit down with Tracy-Ann Oberman ahead of the UK premiere of the Broadway hit Assembled Parties; and get a taste of the rich offering at this year’s UK Jewish Film Festival. This issue also carries a moment of reflection, marking the second anniversary of the 7 October attacks and the ongoing war in Gaza.
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Ayelet Tsabari (front row, second right) with activists holding placards of Gazan children at a demonstration in August 2025, photo courtesy of Ayelet Tsabari
ISRAEL’S WRITERS, MUSICIANS AND FILMMAKERS CONFRONT A NATION IN CRISIS
Two years on from 7 October, with daily devastation in Gaza, accusations of genocide and an uncertain outcome for the latest peace plans, Sarai Shavit says there is growing anger amongst Israel’s cultural figures about the ongoing war © Courtesy of Ayelet Tsabari
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BROWSE THE FULL CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE BELOW
YOUR SAY… Readers’ rants, raves and views on the Spring issue of JR.
WHAT’S NEW Israel's writers, musicians and filmmakers confront a nation in crisis. Sarai Shavit reports.
FEATURE The Dutch writer and Holocaust survivor Chaja Polak makes a plea for empathy in the Middle East.
FEATURE As a Jewish journalist, was it possible for Tim Franks to report impartially on the Middle East?
FEATURE Berthe Weill: the forgotten champion of the French avant-garde.
FEATURE Meet the six artists on JR's Artists' Development Scheme.
PASSPORT Ferrara: this beautiful Italian city has a rich Jewish story, firstly as a medieval haven and then a place of fear under fascism. Today it is the base for a tiny, but active, community.
FILM Barney Pell Scholes dives into Manhattan-themed films showing at this year's UK Jewish Film Festival.
THEATRE A new play lauds the unsung Fanny Mendelssohn; TracyAnn Oberman on mother-daughter shtick.
MUSIC Two new bios give a Jewish twist to the lives of 60s pop luminaries Bob Dylan and Carole King.
ART She's electric: the art of Liliane Lijn; plus Dale Berning Sawa on Jyll Bradley's dazzling plexiglass creations.
BOOKS Hephzibah Anderson speaks to Maya Arad; Woody Allen's debut novel; Ben Markovits' Bookershortlisted offering; and a snapshot of contemporary, cosmopolitan Odesa.
THE YIDDISHISTS Yiddish returns to the East End.
SEPHARDI RENAISSANCE A new Thessaloniki museum revives dark memories; bringing the Catalan Mahzor to life through dance and music.
WHAT'S HAPPENING Our threemonth guide to art, books, film, music, theatre and other cultural events in the UK, Europe and Israel.
FAMILY The books helping children navigate 7 October and Gaza.
