Glasgow Women’s Library

To Build a Home

What makes a home? Scottish visual artist Martha Orbach reflects on this question in her latest show. To Build a Home comprises drawings, prints, sculptures and storytelling that explore the artist’s environmentalist upbringing, Jewish heritage and role as a mother.

Until 17 January

0141 550 2267. www.womenslibrary.org.uk

Friday 7 November

Manya Wilkinson: Lublin

Wingate Literary Prize winner Manya Wilkinson discusses her creative process behind writing Lublin, her book about the lost world of Jewish Poland. She’s joined by playwright and director David Ian Neville and Professor Hannah Holtschneider (University of Edinburgh) to discuss the aspect of writing about the past with a contemporary voice, creating survivors in her words and incorporating humour into these narratives.

1pm. From £8. The University of Edinburgh, EH1 2LX. www.jcc.scot

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

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