LONDON
ART
Austrian Cultural Forum
Painting Sculpture: Sophie Barber & Franz West
Sophie Barber created a series of smalls-scale works referencing the name and art of Austrian Jewish sculptor Franz West, inspire by his pink outdoor sculptures shown at the 2019 Tate Modern retrospective. West, one of Austria’s most celebrated artists, was known for his unique aesthetic portraying both high and low reference points and privileged social interactions.
No end date specified
SW7 1PQ. 020 7225 7300. www.acflondon.org
Bank of England
Building the Bank: 100 Years On
Explore the fascinating transformation of the Bank of England’s iconic Threadneedle Street building in this exhibition. Architectural plans and models are displayed alongside artwork exploring the site, which started renovations in 1925. Read more about Building the Bank: 100 Years On in the Winter 2026 issue of JR.
No end date specified
EC2R 8AH. 020 3461 4878. www.bankofengland.co.uk
Ben Uri
The Abbey Art Centre as a Postwar Refuge
Unpack the story of the Abbey Art Centre in north London, which was opened in 1946 by William Ohly, a British-German Jewish gallery owner and artist. The space was created to accommodate artists from all over the world, including Jewish refugees, providing affordable living and workspaces. This exhibition features paintings, sculptures, photographs, archival materials and more by those who frequented the centre.
Until 18 December
NW8 0RH. 020 7604 3991. www.benuri.org.uk
Chipping Barnet Library
Between Life and Death
Discover the experiences of Holocaust survivors and rescuers from 15 European countries in this travelling exhibition, which was originally displayed at the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels. The work pays extra attention to diplomats who used their power to help those affected by the atrocities and explores the courage of those involved.
Until 30 November
EN5 4QT. 020 8359 4040. www.barnet.gov.uk
Freud Museum
40 Objects 40 Years
An exhibition commemorating 40 years of the Freud Museum London, the final home of the renowned neurologist and psychoanalyst. See never-before-displayed items from the daily lives of Sigmund Freud and his family, as well as key archival objects, including his world-famous couch. These objects are shown alongside reflections from artists, writers, psychologists, educators and community members, providing a contemporary perspective on Freud’s pioneering work.
Until 14 February 2027
NW3 5SX. www.freud.org.uk
JW3
Harif Henna Exhibition
Explore the spectacular Sephardi tradition of Henna ceremonies, which are widely practised by Arabic Jews to celebrate happiness and prosperity. Photographs, stories, costumes and objects look into the history and meaning of the ritual, focusing on the distinctive customs of various communities.
16 - 30 November
Simcha Snaps! Turning Memories Up to 13
Enjoy a treasure trove of bar and bat mitzvah photographs through the generations to celebrate JW3’s 13th year. Images donated by the community have been curated by cartoonist Zoom Rockman and writer Ivor Baddiel (brother of David), capturing the humour, heart and history of the Jewish ritual. The photos are displayed throughout the building and across the front windows, revealing the evolution of the ceremony over time.
Until 31 December
Abram Games and the Festival of Britain
Marking the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, this exhibition explores the creativity and legacy of Abram Games, who was responsible for the emblem of the event. Discover the life of the influential graphic designer, who was born to Jewish immigrants in London’s East End.
From 2 December
NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
National Gallery
Renoir and Love
Couples waltzing in the summer air, lovers stealing a glance and families sharing a quiet moment all feature in Renoir’s Impressionist paintings, capturing the complexities of personal connections. The artist experimented with style and theme during the peak of his career and, for the first time in the UK, his iconic painting Bal au Moulin de la Galette (Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette) will be displayed. Despite being overtly antisemitic, his piece Pink and Blue depicts sisters Alice and Elisabeth (aka The Renoir Girls), daughters of a wealthy Parisian Jewish banking dynasty and their older sister Irène. Read more about The Renoir Girls in the Summer 2026 issue of JR.
Until 31 January 2027
WC2N 5DN. 020 7747 2885. www.nationalgallery.org.uk
National Portrait Gallery
Gillian Wearing: Spiritual Family
See four works from Turner Prize-winning artist Gillian Wearing’s series Me As…, depicting the artist as Andy Warhol, Diane Arbus, Robert Mapplethorpe and Claude Cahun. These four names have had a profound effect on Wearing’s practice and she’s named them her ‘spiritual family’.
Until 10 January
WC2H 0HE. 020 7306 0055. www.npg.org.uk
Royal Academy of Art
Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector
Explore highlights from the various London exhibitions of legendary Jewish art collector Peggy Guggenheim. Her first ever gallery, Guggenheim Jeune, was opened in Mayfair in 1938 and quickly won the favour of avant-garde artists, housing works by surrealists and abstractionists. See works by pioneering artists, including Dalí, Barbara Hepworth and Kadinsky. Read more about Peggy Guggenheim in the Summer 2025 issue of JR.
21 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
W1J 0BD. www.royalacademy.org.uk
Southbank Centre
Nan Goldin: You Never Did Anything Wrong
The Southbank Centre presents the first major UK exhibition of work by legendary social documentarian Nan Goldin since 2002. Don’t miss this chance to see the Jewish American artist and activist’s recent films – including the debut of You Never Did Anything Wrong, Part II – and photography that shine a light on the fragility of existence, be it human, animal or environmental. Her unique style captures the rawness of life, from the tumult of personal relationships to struggles with addiction and animal rescue in the Gaza strip.
24 November 2026 – 14 March 2027
SE1 8XX. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Tate Modern
Frida: The Making of an Icon
A showcase of more than 30 pieces by revolutionary artist Frida Kahlo, who identified as Jewish despite her heritage being questioned throughout her career. Kahlo was known for showing the many sides of her personality in her art – from a dedicated wife and intellectual to a political activist – and her story went on to inspire hundreds of pieces by contemporary artists. Frida: The Making of an Icon explores the transformative power of her work, highlighting her lasting influence and fandom.
Until 3 January 2027
Together on this Island: Émigré Art Networks in Britain
Discover the stories of émigrés who fled to Britain from Nazi Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. Based on a quote by Czech art historian JP Hodin (“Never before in the history of art in England have so many artists of foreign nationality worked together on this island”), the display explores the contribution to local culture by Jewish artists, art dealers, writers and teachers.
Until 20 June 2027
SE1 9TG. www.tate.org.uk
WIENER HOLOCAUST LIBRARY
J’Accuse! Press, Polemic and the Dreyfus Affair
Take an in depth look at the print culture surrounding The Dreyfus Affair when, in 1894, an innocent French Jewish army officer was falsely accused of treason and incarcerated on the former French penal colony, Devil’s Island. The trial was reported on worldwide, with the press and public questioning the innocence of Alfred Dreyfus, making it one of the first instances of a story going viral. J’Accuse explores the opinions of those who were for and against Dreyfus’s release through documents, newspaper cuttings and antisemitic caricatures.
Until 26 February 2027
WC1B 5DP. 020 7636 7247. www.wienerlibrary.co.uk
Thursday 19 November
After Belsen: Christian Encounters with Holocaust Survivors
Dr Robert Thompson examines how Christians responded to and were impacted by interacting with Holocaust survivors following the liberation of concentration camps. He shines a light on how, using testimonies and personal encounters, British and American Christians pioneered to fight against antisemitism. There will also be an exhibition of the archive materials Thompson used to research his book.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 19 November
The Jewish Bakery: 100 Family Recipes from East London’s Oldest Jewish Bakery Book
Jennifer Rinkoff presents her recent cookbook, which pays tribute to Rinkoffs, her ancestor’s business. The family-run Jewish bakery has served London’s East End since 1911, and this book features a variety of recipes, celebrating the stories and heritage of the establishment. The evening includes a book signing and of course, sampling some of the delicacies.
7pm. £3.50. Finchley Church End Library, N3 2LN. www.barnet-libraries.played.co
Tuesday 24 November
Born Survivors
Former war correspondent and author Wendy Holden appears in conversation with one of the ‘miracle babies’ of the Holocaust, 81-year-old Eva Clarke, who was born weighing 3lbs at the gates of Mauthausen concentration camp. Drawing on her 2015 book Born Survivors, Holden discusses how she came across Clarke’s story and those of two other young mothers who hid their pregnancies from the Nazis. Signed copies of Born Survivors will be available to purchase.
7pm. FREE. Austrian Cultural Forum, SW7 1PQ. www.acflondon.org
Wednesday 25 November
The Silent City of Drancy: Social Housing and Holocaust Memory on the Margins of Paris
Stephanie Hesz-Wood launches her new book, which looks at the Parisian commune of Drancy. In particular, she investigates the Cité de la Muette apartment complex, which became a notorious internment camp during World War II. Through a series of personal testimonies, The Silent City of Drancy examines how a place can simultaneously be associated with historical horrors and contemporary familiarity. Followed by a Q&A and book signing.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 26 November
A Woman Named Edith
Daria Santini presents the first English language biography of Austrian photographer Edith Tudor Hart, charting her escape in 1933 from Vienna to Britain, where she found great success as an artist. Learn about her pioneering work behind the camera and her undetected double life as a Soviet agent.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 3 December
Celebrating Bukharian Food: A Cooking Class
Jewish chef and author Lilian Cordell shares some of her mother’s Bukharian recipes from her recent cookbook, Miriam's Table. She’ll talk about the stories behind the food and demonstrate how they’re made, followed by a tasting.
2.30pm, 7.15pm. £35. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 10 December
The Jewish Bakery: 100 Family Recipes from East London’s Oldest Jewish Bakery Book
Jennifer Rinkoff presents her recent cookbook, which pays tribute to Rinkoffs, her ancestor’s business. The family-run Jewish bakery has served London’s East End since 1911, and this book features a variety of recipes, celebrating the stories and heritage of the establishment. The evening includes a book signing and of course, sampling some of the delicacies.
6.30pm. FREE. University College London, WC1E 6BT. www.ucl.ac.uk/arts-humanities/institute-jewish-studies
Wednesday 13 January
Homophobia in Nazi Concentration Camps: Perceptions in Prisoner Narratives
In her recent book, Dr Uta Rautenberg presents a groundbreaking study on homophobia amongst Holocaust prisoners. She shines a light on the stigma surrounding queerness at the time, exploring the experiences of those who had same-sex relationships despite their persecution. Rautenberg uses early testimonies, oral histories, memoirs and extensive archival material to analyse both female and male stories, reinforcing the need for an inclusive approach to history.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 14 January
A Monster in the Ash
Susie Gordon discusses the research and writing process for her new book, which explores the 43 Group – the Jewish ex-servicemen and women who planned to challenge British fascism in the immediate post-WWII period. Drawing on her family’s East End roots, Gordon looks at the inspiration behind the novel, the challenges of using fiction to revive the past, and the connection between personal stories and collective memories. She appears in conversation with historian and performer Dr Vivi Lachs.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 19 January
Children as Victims of Sexual and Sexualised Violence in the Second World War and its Aftermath
Helga Embacher and William Jones present an anthology and discussion focusing on how children were subjected to sexual and sexualised violence during World War II. Research into this little-explored subject stemmed from a 2023 conference held at the University of Salzburg attended by participants from all over the world, with shocking findings. Embacher and Jones discussions are moderated by Johannes-Dieter Steinert.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 28 January
Children of Abraham: The Story of Muslim-Jewish Relations
Historian Marc David Baer’s recent book presents a non-biased analysis of Muslim Jewish relations, from the prophet Muhammed’s first interactions with Jewish Arabs in the seventh century to the current, ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Baer discusses both the collaborations and tensions between the two communities in Children of Abraham, and explores how their relationship continues to shape global conflicts.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 4 February
Three Women, a Rabbi and a Musician from Bohemia
Mike Frankl presents his recent book, which explores the lives of his Jewish family who lived in rural Bohemia for over 200 years. Hear the true story of his grandmother Frantiska, ancestor Rachel and her granddaughter-in-law Alzbeta, all of whom were widowed with children at a young age. Rabbi Isak HaCohen Frankl moved back to the historic kingdom from Vienna, and the musician in the title refers to a family member who survived being bayoneted in Serbia before moving to Berlin. Hear the various experiences of persecution the family faced, the murder of more than 100 relatives and the escape of others, including the author’s parents, who fled Prague for England in 1939.
4pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
BOOKS & POETRY
Wednesday 27 January & Wednesday 24 March
JW3 Comedy Club
Sit back and relax as Jewish (and Jew-ish) comedians take to the stage with jokes, improvisation and stand-up performances, hosted by orthodox Jewish comedian, writer and director Rachel Creeger.
7.30pm. £12. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 1 February
Natan Badalov: Community Service
Natan Badalov’s new show shines a comical light on his experience growing up as a Bukharian in New York, navigating his Jewish identity and balancing family expectations. Join him and hear his relatable and fresh perspective on cross-cultural life and fitting in with American Jews.
8pm. From £16.63. City Comedy Club, EC2A 3HX. www.natanbadalov.com
COMEDY
Sunday 29 November
Chanukah Funukah
A fun-filled festive day for all the family. Celebrate Chanukah with music, tasty treats, arts, crafts and plenty of playtime.
2pm. £12 (child), £10 (adult). JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
family
until Sunday 15 November
UK Jewish Film Festival
The annual festival of Jewish film returns for its 30th innings, showcasing UK, European and world premieres of features, documentaries and shorts. Highlights include the documentary gala choice, Shalom, about the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem during a time of war (14 Nov); and Bookends, about New York writer who falls on hard times and has to move into his grandparents’ retirement community (10 Nov). Kicking off in London, the festival then tours the UK (15 Nov-3 Dec) and provides a selection of films to stream online (18-30 Nov). Read more about UKJFF in the Autumn 2026 issue of JR.
Times, prices and venues vary. https://ukjewishfilm.org
Sunday 15 November
The Long Journey Home
David Kahtan’s documentary pays tribute to the once 180,000 strong Jewish community of Iraq. Despite Jews living in the country for over 2,500 years, almost none remain there today. This film is the result of over 20 years of research, chronicling the stories of ancient Babylon, the Farhud, the mass exodus in the 1950s and the modern day.
11.45am. From £15, from £10 concs. Phoenix Cinema, N2 9PJ. www.ukjewishfilmfestival2026.eventive.org
Tuesday 8 December
The Rescue of the Jews of Syria (1970-1994)
JW3 and Harif present the final part in their film series focusing on the Syrian Jewish Community. The Rescue of the Jews of Syria describes the controlled life of Jews trapped in the country in the 1970s, the international human rights response to their plight and how Brooklyn’s Sephardi community united to free those who remained.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 13 December
The Wise Old Town of Chelm
Filmmaker Benjy Cohen single-handedly portrays the entire cast of his new film, focusing on the famously learned town of Chelm. Inspired by Jewish folklore, The Wise Old Town of Chelm features original songs and miniature cardboard sets. Cohen appears in a Q&A following the screening, discussing the stories behind the film and how an entire town came to be played by one person.
8pm. FREE. ArtHouse Crouch End, N8 9BT. www.benjycohen.com
Tuesday 12 January
Remembering Marrakesh
Israel’s Sapir Film College and Morocco’s UM6P University’s documentary is being screened in London for the first time. Remembering Marrakesh is a collage of six short films examining the aftermath of the mass migration of Jews from the city to Israel in the 1960s, and explores if there are still traces of Jewish life and heritage in the Jewish Quarter.
7.30pm. £16.50. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 24 January
Here Lived
Jane Bernstein Wells’s 2023 film, which moves between past and present, explores the Stolpersteine – small brass memorial stones created to commemorate victims of the Nazi regime. Created by German artist Gunter Demnig, the initiative has grown from a conceptual art project into the world’s largest decentralised memorial, and today, over 100,000 stones have been laid across Europe. Here Lived incorporates stories from hidden children, survivors, descendants and those who continue to carry out Demnig’s mission, exploring how art can preserve memories, connect future generations and ensure that the legacies of those who perished live on. Followed by a Q&A with Wells, Emile Schrijver, director of Amsterdam’s Jewish Museum, and Ulrika Citron, one of the documentary’s protagonists.
7pm. £16.50. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
FILM AND TV
MUSIC
Until Sunday 21 March
The Classical Music Series
JW3’s monthly Classical Music Series returns for a fourth season, showcasing some of the best artists from around the world. Kicking off with pianist Boris Giltburg (30 Sep); followed by a performance of Schubert’s Trout Quintet (28 Oct); and the trio Noam Greenberg, Jonian Kadesha and Vashti Hunter (17 Nov). The 2027 programme features the Aviv Quartet (24 Jan); Irène Duval leading a string quartet (21 Feb); and Piano Trios by Schubert and Beethoven presented by JW3 regulars (21 Mar).
Times vary. £30. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 12 November
Daniel Asia: Pines’ Last Poems
The European premiere of composer, conductor and educator Daniel Asia’s Pines’ Last Poems, a classical memorial song comprising of four works by poet Paul Pines. Asia, whose Jewish heritage and identity have influenced his career, has also written settings of Psalms and Poetry by Yehuda Amichai and Breath in a Ram’s Horn: The Jewish Spirit in Classical Music. This performance is part of the London Festival of American Music.
7.30pm. £18, £15 concs. The Warehouse, SE1 8ST. www.soundandmusic.org
Sunday 15 November
West from Here: A tribute to Mati Caspi
Tsemach Productions joins JW3 for a tribute to the late Israeli songwriter and composer Matti Caspi. An ensemble of London-based musicians plays some of Caspi’s best known songs and singer Riki Gal performs her collaborations with the musician.
8pm. From £35. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 16 November
JDAL Sings!
Following various sold-out showcases and cabarets, The Jewish Dramatic Association of London performs a selection of musical theatre classics alongside new works.
7.30pm. £20. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6 4BD. www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com
Sunday 22 November
Son of a Cantor Man: The Music of Irving Berlin, Maury Yeston, Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen
Celebrate the music of some of the most famous songwriters of the 20th century, all of whom were descendants of esteemed Jewish cantors. Reflect on the influence that Jewish music had on their work, as a West End cast performs the music live.
7pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 3 – Tuesday 8 December
Bob Dylan
Legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan has experimented with folk, blues, rock and many other musical styles throughout his six-decade career. His works draw on political, social, philosophical and literary influences, some of which explore his Jewish heritage and upbringing in Hibbing, Minnesota. Following the huge success of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, Dylan hits London’s Royal Festival Hall stage for five nights.
7.30pm. SOLD OUT. Royal Festival Hall, SE1 8XX. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
Sunday 13 December
Mendelssohn’s Elijah
Alyth Choral Society presents Mendelssohn’s Elijah for their winter concert.
7pm. £23. North Western Reform Synagogue, NW11 7EN. www.alyth.org.uk
Tuesday 2 February
Ralph Freeman Quintet: Jewish Composers of The Great American Songbook
The Ralph Freeman Quintet performs pieces written by Jewish composers from the Great American Songbook. The group comprises of Freeman on piano; Steve Waterman on trumpet and flugelhorn; Art Themen on tenor saxophone; Ian Marcus on double bass and flute; and Dave Barry on drums.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 4 February
Recovered Voices with Irmina Trynkos
Violinist Irmina Trynkos has dedicated her career to recovering suppressed or forgotten Jewish music. She presents stories and works by musicians including Ignatz Waghalter, a Polish composer, whose pieces were entirely lost after he fled the Nazis for New York. She’ll also touch on the compositions of Russian folk musician Joseph Achron; Austrian Czech pianist, conductor and music critic Viktor Ullmann; and Polish Soviet composer and pianist Mieczysław Weinberg. Followed by a London premiere by contemporary Israeli British composer Nimrod Borenstein.
7pm. £18. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 14 February
Shir’s 30th Anniversary: A Love Story
Celebrate 30 years of Jewish event band Shir, who’ll journey through their career with an afternoon of song and dance.
3pm. £22. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
TALKS
Thursday 12 November
Refugee Lives: Stories of Exile, Resilience, and Community
The Association of Jewish Refugees traces the lives of German-speaking Jewish refugees and émigrés, who fled Nazi persecution, and explores the lasting impact these stories have on British Jews today.
7pm. £10. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 17 November
The Jews of Florence & Tuscany
Deborah Jay discusses the complex and often overlooked history of Jewish life in Florence and Tuscany. Learn about the role Jews played in the city’s cultural and economic landscape, from Napoleon’s emancipation of Jews in 1789, through Nazism and the ‘Risanamento’ (renewal) of Italian cities in the 19th century, which saw Florence’s former Jewish ghetto transformed into a prominent piazza.
2pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 18 November
Jewish Patrons: The Career Choices of Pierre-Auguste Renoir
To coincide with the National Gallery’s show Renoir and Love (see exhibitions), art historian Sophie Lachowsky examines the impressionist artist’s complex relationship with his Jewish patrons and the evolution of his artistic style.
7.15pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 19 November
Commemoration of the Exodus of Jews from Arab Countries and Iran
Communal leaders and diplomats join Harif and JW3 to commemorate the exodus of Jews from Arab countries and Iran. This year’s theme is Jews of Egypt: 70 Years since Suez, and features live testimonies, music from Guy Schalom and his band, the chance to browse Harif’s exhibition celebrating London’s Sephardi culture, and a light reception.
7pm. £10. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 29 November
A Tale of Two Cities, One Legacy
Architect Ittai Frank leads a (virtual) exploration of early 20th-century Europe from the comfort of JW3. This two-part lecture focuses on Jewish émigrés who settled in pre-war Britain, the radical ideas they bought with them, and the new communities they forged for themselves.
2pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 1 December
Willesden Jewish Cemetery: Legends in Jewish History
Tour guide Stephen Burstin swaps the streets for cinema seats in this virtual tour of Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Discover the 140-year story of the burial ground and its residents, including a famous scientist, royal illusionist, ‘Lady Chutzpah’ and more.
2.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 14 January
Claire Bloom in conversation with George McGhee
Renowned actor Claire Bloom discusses her rich career in an illustrated conversation with George McGhee. Having rose to fame in Limelight with Charlie Chaplin, she has starred in various stage, film and TV productions, including The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, The Kings Speech and A Doll’s House.
2pm. £20. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Friday 22 January
Holocaust Memorial Day
Commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day with stories of courage, resilience and hope. This year’s theme is ‘No Place for Prejudice’, and the event features testimony and music to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the atrocities, honour the courage of those who helped others and recognise the resilience of survivors.
10.30am. FREE. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 3 February
Peggy Guggenheim: The Making of a Radical Collector
Art historian and academic Sophie Lachowsky explores Peggy Guggenheim’s creative journey through London, Paris, New York and Venice. This discussion coincides with the Royal Academy or Arts exhibition, Peggy Guggenheim in London (see Art), and looks at the artist’s experience with European modernism, the emerging American art scene and 20th-century collecting.
7.15pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 7 February
Remembering Eva
Film, photographs, poetry and memories are presented alongside a selection of oral testimonies to commemorate the life and legacy of Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss. Discover her multi-faceted life, from her childhood to her experiences and her role as an educator and speaker, sharing her stories to help later generations understand the consequences of hatred and prejudice.
2pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 21 February
Jewish Rome: The Rollercoaster Story of the Jewish Community (Virtual Tour)
Historian and tour guide Stephen Burstin hosts a virtual exploration of Jewish Rome, which has history dating back 2,200 years. He’ll cover key parts of the city’s turbulent relationship with Jews, touching on the Great Synagogue, which was spared from destruction during the Nazi occupation; the horrifying conditions of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto; the wartime rabbi who conducted secret services in his tiny shul while SS stormtroopers patrolled outside and much more.
11am. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 25 February
Moving Out, Moving Up? Jewish London, Aspiration and Belonging
Lecturer and academic Hannah Ewence explores how Jewish life has changed across London, from the East End to the suburbs and beyond. Audiences are welcome to share their own memories of the pivotal places from the city’s Jewish history, and thoughts on its future.
3pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
THEATRE
until Saturday 21 November
Memoriam
Noga Flaishon’s play focuses on a tech company working to extract and repackage human memories as immersive virtual reality experiences. Employee Rachel sets out to preserve the memories of her grandmother, Rivka, the last living Holocaust survivor, in this format. Explore the triumphs and tribulations of commodifying lived histories, and the ways trauma is perceived and passed on, in the UK premiere of Memoriam, following its critically acclaimed US run.
7pm, 2.30pm (Tue & Sat only). From £28, from £22.50 concs. Southwark Playhouse Borough, SE1 6BD. www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
until Saturday 28 November
The Pianist
Thom Southerland’s stage adaptation of Polish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman’s best-selling memoir pays tribute to the golden age of Jewish Warsaw, reflecting on his experiences there during World War II and the Holocaust. Virtuoso performers depict the pre-war vibrant music culture of the city before Nazi persecution destroyed it and Szpilman was forced into hiding.
7.30pm, 3pm (Thu & Sat only). From £15. Park Theatre, N4 3JP. www.parktheatre.co.uk
Until Saturday 10 April 2027
Sinatra the Musical
Explore the man behind the icon in Sinatra the Musical, Joe DiPietro’s new West End show based on the life and career of legendary artist Frank Sinatra. From the New York performance that changed his life as a 27-year-old Italian American to his prolific affairs and tumultuous relationship with the press. His greatest hits, such as ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ and ‘Send in the Clowns’, were written by Jewish American composers, and the singer was known for passionately defending Jews and the State of Israel. The show features over 20 timeless hits, including ‘That’s Life’ and ‘Come Fly with Me’.
7.30pm (Mon-Sat), 2.30pm (Thu & Sat only). From £20. Aldwych Theatre, WC2B 4DF. www.aldwychtheatre.com
Sunday 6 December – Sunday 3 January
Dick Whittingberg Gets into a Pickle
Since creating the first ever Jewish panto in 2023, Nick Cassenbaum has returned annually with a new fun-fuelled farce. This year is no different, with a twist on the classic story of Dick Whittington. Journeying to London to find his fortune, Dick Whittingberg encounters magic cats and evil rats, with a sprinkling of songs, baddies and gags along the way.
Times vary. From £27, from £17 children. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 26 January
Long After the Labyrinth
Explore the true tale of the lost Jews of Crete in a new play inspired by the Greek mythology of the Minotaur. Text, movement and shadow-play feature in a performance following Rena Depas, a young girl who watches helplessly from her hiding place as her family is rounded up and loaded into trucks, all while a horned shadow looms in the distance. Read our review of Long After the Labyrinth on the JR blog.
7pm. £18. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 25 & Friday 26 February
Otto Weidt’s Brush & Broom Workshop for the Blind
Discover the fascinating true story of Otto Weidt, who made it his mission to protect his fellow visually impaired Jews from Nazi persecution. Having inherited his late father’s brush and broom workshop, Weidt employed a team of blind Jewish workers including Alice, who he falls in love with. When she’s taken to Auschwitz, he risks his business, pride and life to try and save her. This is a rehearsed reading of a brand-new musical, including integrated audio description, created in collaboration with blind and visually impaired artists.
7pm (Thu), 11am (Fri). £10. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 22 November & Sunday 13 December
Mitzvah Day: Jewish Communal Leaders
Learn about former communal leaders who’ve been buried at Willesden Jewish Cemetery, including chief rabbis, philanthropists and educators.
11am, 12.30pm. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Sunday 6 December& Sunday 20 December
Hidden Histories: The Stories of Willesden Jewish Cemetery
Discover the stories behind the familiar and lesser-known of those buried at Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Hear about how Tesco got its name, the uproar surrounding the site’s first burial and the real story behind the discovery of DNA in this walk in the grounds of nearly 30,000 graves.
11am. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
WALKS
WORKSHOPS
Sunday 22 November
Mitzvah Day
Enjoy a Jewish-led interfaith morning of volunteering in the tranquil grounds of Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Mitzvah Day invites all ages to help support the site’s biodiversity and wildlife by collecting leaves, twigs and weeds for its composting programme.
10.30am. FREE. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Sunday 22 November
Sigd
Celebrate the Ethiopian Jewish festival of Sigd, a day of fasting to celebrate the relationship between Jews and God. JW3 presents an afternoon of music and storytelling for those familiar with and wishing to discover Sigd for the first time. Hear first-hand stories of life in Gondar city, enjoy traditional Ethiopian dance and music, sample local coffee and food, and browse unique handcrafted items from the community.
12pm. FREE. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Friday 27 November
Czech Scrolls Commemorative Service
A memorial service for the Jewish communities of Hořovice, Horažd’ovice and Přeštice who perished in the Holocaust. Hear readings from their Bar and Bat Mitzvah and festival service scrolls, remember their past and celebrate Jewish life today.
6.30pm. FREE. Westminster Synagogue, SW7 1BX. www.westminstersynagogue.org
Wednesday 10 February
Tribute In-Spiro-ation 2027
Four artists and cultural leaders come together to celebrate Jewish culture, creativity, and the vision of Nitza Spiro and her late husband, Robin. The couple, who founded Spiro Ark, devoted much of their life to promoting Jewish education. Film distributor Hedva Goldschmidt, musical storyteller Daniel Cainer, musician Tally Koren and visual artist Ruth Jacobsen share their reflections on the organisation, which works to preserve the history, heritage, culture and traditions of Judaism through generations.
7pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk