Manchester Jewish Museum

Modern Jewish Life

From life cycle events to festivals to the everyday, see images depicting different aspects of 21st-century Judaism from across the UK. This exhibition was curated as part of Manchester Jewish Museum’s Collecting Inclusive Stories project, an initiative that aims to tell the story of the history and heritage of Britain’s Jews.

Until 8 September

M8 8LW. 08432 080 500. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Tuesday 20 May

An Unorthodox History: British Jews Since 1945

Professor Gavin Schaffer’s new book argues that Jewish Britain is thriving, and that the religion is deeply embedded in the country’s culture. An Unorthodox History examines marginalised groups including queer Jews, those who married out, critics of Israel and those who believe Jesus is the Messiah, providing a fresh look at activism and religiosity within Judaism. Schaffer will discuss his work with academic Sherry Ashworth (University of Manchester), followed by a Q&A.

6pm. £8, £5 concs. Manchester Jewish Museum, M8 8LW. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Thursday 22 May

I Seek a Wild Star

Ophira Adar presents a collection of poetry inspired by Manchester’s Jewish history, drawing on its 18th-century roots, World War II and beyond. She’ll touch on objects and testimonies from the archives of Manchester Jewish Museum, exploring themes of spirituality, migration, identity, longing and belonging. She will also offer personal reflections on her creative process and the narratives that aided her writing. Followed by a Q&A.

7pm. £10, £8 concs. Manchester Jewish Museum, M8 8LW. www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com

Thursday 22 May

Zach Margs

Comedian Zach Margs, whose sketches and videos regularly go viral on social media, brings his high-energy humour to the stage. His no-hold-barred perspective on Israeli life and culture comes out through amusing impersonations, including a rude Tel Aviv waiter, shawarma vendor with attitude, El Al pilot and many more.

8pm. £38. Quays Theatre, Salford, M50 3AZ. www.thelowry.com

Sunday 15 June

The Lost Music of Auschwitz

Prisoners of Auschwitz were forced to play music to entertain Nazi officers. However, in the face of terror, they were able to weave secret melodies into their songs in an act of resilience. Here, 80 years since the liberation of the concentration camps, composer Leo Geyer’s ensemble performs the long-forgotten works in a 60-minute concert. Geyer will share the powerful stories behind each composition, paying tribute to the creativity and enduring strength of the human spirit.

2pm. From £39.50. Quays Theatre, The Lowry, Salford, M50 3AZ. www.thelowry.com

Tuesday 20 May

Moses Gaster: His Scholarly Legacy and Place in Jewish History

Known for his dedication to Zionism, Moses Gaster (1856-1939) was a scholar, collector, rabbi and activist. He was the hakham (sage) of London’s Spanish and Portuguese congregation, and helped establish the English Zionist Federation. This year’s annual Sherman Lecture sees Professor Philip Alexander FBA – founder of the University of Manchester’s Centre for Jewish Studies – discuss Gaster’s life and legacy, his interests and where he sits in Jewish history.

5.30pm. FREE. John Rylands Research Institute and Library, Manchester, M3 3EH. www.manchesterjewishstudies.org