SCOTLAND
Sunday 16 November
An Unorthodox History
Professor Gavin Schaffer’s book explores what it means to be Jewish in Britain since World War II. Instead of focusing on antisemitism and external perspectives, An Unorthodox History looks into smaller groups within the religion, including queer Jews, interfaith families, Israel-critical individuals and those who worship Jesus.
7.30pm. £10. Edinburgh location provided upon booking. www.ejls.org
BOOKS AND POETRY
Sunday 30 November
Works of Emancipation: Jewish Themes in the Operas of Giacomo Meyerbeer
Jewish musician Giacomo Meyerbeer was one of the most famous opera composers in the world in the 1800s. Despite being tied to the Jewish Enlightenment (a German movement that sought to integrate Judaism into Western society), he lived a secular life but refused to convert to Christianity. Rabbi Mark Solomon leads this talk, featuring musical snippets, exploring how despite having Christian, historical themes, Meyerbeer’s works reflected concerns about Jewish emancipation, enlightenment, conversion, intermarriage and persecution.
7.30pm. £10. Edinburgh location provided upon booking. www.ejls.org
TALKS
WALKS
Available indefinitely
Garnethill Refugee Trail
A self-guided walking tour that traces the lives of the hundreds of Jewish refugees who arrived in Scotland before World War II. Created by the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre, this tour includes sites such as Scotland’s oldest synagogue and ‘the house on the hill’, where refugees would meet alongside native Glaswegians to discuss politics and culture. The trail is free and available to download or from the SJHC in person. Read more about the Garnethill Refugee Trail in the Spring issue of JR.
FREE. www.sjhc.org.uk