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
Sam Rabin: Boxing and More
Explore the multi-faceted career of Sam Rabin, a British boxer cum sculptor dubbed ‘Sam Radnor the Hebrew Jew’. He was awarded a bronze medal in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, which helped him then pursue his passion for art and sculpture. He often focused on characteristics of the boxing ring in his pieces.
Until 1 May
Disruptors: Fractured Images and Migrant Wordl
Wordl, an intentional blend of ‘word’ and ‘world’ reflects the artists, writers and thinkers who wanted to reconfigure language when arriving in their new homes, capturing artistically the experience of migration. This disruption is reflected in the artworks shown, which highlight the difficulties that came from navigating a new language. Explore pieces by Gustav Metzger, Samuel (Shmuel) Dresner, Alfred Lomnitz, Hugo Dachinger and more, each portraying the challenges of disrupted conventions in art, language and belonging from the pre- and post-war period.
14 May - 4 September
NW8 0RH. 020 7604 3991. www.benuri.org.uk
The Courtauld Gallery
Hepworth in Colour
For the first time, early works by sculptor Barbara Hepworth, who greatly influenced Jewish émigré artists in Britain, are shown alongside some of her most important drawings from the decade. This exhibition also displays examples of her coloured pieces from the 1950s and 1960s, exploring her original, unexpected use of tones.
12 June – 6 September
Somerset House, WC2R 0RN. 020 3947 7777. www.courtauld.ac.uk
JW3
Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments
Miriam Elia marks Shavuot, the festival celebrating the giving of the Torah, with a satirical exhibition. Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments offers a refreshing perspective on Jewish law through the lens of the modern culture of wellbeing. Presented as part of Jewish Culture Month.
14 May – 30 June
NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
MCC Museum, Lord’s Cricket Ground
Cricket and the Jewish Community
This exhibition shows, for the first time, how Jewish people have contributed to the world of cricket. See clothing, artwork, books and videos exploring how Jews, both on the field and behind the scenes, not only represent their countries but have also been pivotal in the development of the sport.
No end date specified
NW8 8QN. 020 7616 8595. www.lords.org
Museum of the Home
Rooms Through Time: Real Rooms
Museum of the Home, east London’s ode to how humans have lived throughout the centuries, has renovated its long-running exhibit with seven new additions that reflect the multicultural melting pot of London’s residents. Among them, is the Delinsky family home – a 1913 tenement room portraying Shabbat dinner, with simmering lokshen soup on the stove and an oil painting on the wall. The painting is based on a well-worn photo that was carried by the great-grandmother of the donor of the painting. The piece was commissioned by the husband of the great-grandmother, an art dealer, who filled the family home with portraits. The pair met in the UK after the great-grandmother fled antisemitic violence in Eastern Europe.
No end date specified
E2 8EA. 020 7739 9893. www.museumofthehome.org.uk
National Portrait Gallery
Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting
Figurative painter Lucien Freud was fixated with the human face and figure, and is known for his raw and intensely observed portraits and nude studies. This exhibition, the first of its kind in the UK, features drawings by the painter never displayed before. Examine the mastery of his pencil, pen, ink, charcoal and etching works and explore a select group of paintings that reveal the relationship between his practice on paper and on canvas.
Until 3 May
Gillian Wearing: Spiritual Family
See four works from British artist Gillian Wearing’s series Me As…, depicting the artist as Andy Warhol, Diane Arbus, Robert Mapplethorpe and Claude Cahun. The four creatives featured 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
Southbank Centre
Anish Kapoor
Discover immersive sculptures and paintings by Anish Kapoor, who returns to the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery almost 30 years after his first major UK show there. This retrospective features some of the Jewish Indian artist’s most iconic works, including steel mirror sculptures and objects coated in Vantablack, possibly the world’s darkest material which, controversially, Kapoor gained exclusive use of in 2016 – a move that maddened the art world. Plus, see several new works, including two huge installations in his signature red. Read more about Anish Kapoor on the JR blog and in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
16 June – 18 October
SE1 8XX. www.southbankcentre.co.uk
WIENER HOLOCAUST LIBRARY
Eldercide: Older Jews and the Holocaust
Rare photographs, personal stories and objects portray the hardships of being an elderly Jew during the Holocaust. Explore how older people navigated persecution, escape and survival, and find out what happened to the small number of those who survived.
Until 30 April
Nazi Slave Labour: Perpetrators and Victims
This exhibition reveals how perpetrators of the Holocaust, including the SS, chemical giant IG Farben, and the arms manufacturer Krupp, profited from the exploitation of slave labour. The system of forced work within concentration camps was lethal, with starvation, exhaustion, disease and abuse contributing to the deaths of 2.5 million people. Despite its scale, this exploitation remains one of the least understood aspects of the period. Through covert photographs, eyewitness testimonies and documents exposing the involvement of complicit companies, the exhibition highlights the financial gain, power and responsibility associated with this dark chapter of history.
20 May – 30 October
WC1B 5DP. 020 7636 7247. www.wienerlibrary.co.uk
Wednesday 22 April
Older Jews and the Holocaust
Discover a powerful new book, edited by Elizabeth Anthony, Christine Schmidt and Joanna Sliwa, that looks at the experience, devastation and despair of one of the most vulnerable groups of Holocaust victims. Christine Schmidt, co-director of the Wiener Holocaust Library, will be joined by some of the book’s contributors, Dan Stone, Niamh Hanrahan and Patricia Thane FBA.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Wednesday 22 April
Jacob Returns
London Jewish author and playwright John Steinberg presents a new novella. Jacob Returns is a journey of self-discovery, from disobedient delinquency to a life of purpose and meaning, which may or may not mirror the author’s own experiences. Find out just how much as he appears in conversation with Dr Tali Lowenthal (UCL), writer and retired psychotherapist Patricia Pitchen and organisational psychologist Rabbi Dr Harvey Belovski.
7pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 28 April
Ninette’s War: A Jewish Story of Survival in 1940s France
Christiane ‘Ninette’ Dreyfus, cousin to Albert Einstein, was from a prominent French Jewish family. When World War II broke out and the Nazis invaded Paris, she fell from grace and was forced to flee southwards. In fear for her life, she took on a new persona and recorded her life in diaries, logging the fragility of national and personal unity in compelling and unforgettable detail. Author John Jay presents Ninette’s War, his book about her, which weaves together extracts of the diaries with interviews that Jay held with Dreyfus before she died.
7.30pm. £10. North London location TBC. www.jhse.org
Thursday 30 April
The Nuremberg Women: The Trials that Brought the Nazis to Justice
Commemorating 80 years since The Nuremberg Trials took place, Natalie Livingstone’s book offers a new perspective on post-war justice. Despite the events often being remembered by the men who were involved, The Nuremberg Women tells the story of eight female lawyers, journalists, interpreters, artists and witnesses whose work shaped the proceedings.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 6 May
Children of Radium
Welsh author Joe Dunthorne discusses his book, Children of Radium: A Buried Inheritance, based on the discovery of his German Jewish great-grandfather Siegfried Merzbacher’s memoir. Spanning almost 2,000 pages, Merzbacher, who manufactured radioactive toothpaste and worked on developing chemical warfare for the Nazis, documented his family’s dramatic escape from Nazi Germany. He appears in conversation with writer Robert Eaglestone (University of London).
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Wednesday 6 May
People Without History are Dust
Dr Anna Hájková presents her recent book, detailing her studies of queer love during the Holocaust, one of the most stigmatised and overlooked aspects of the atrocities. People Without History are Dust challenges the silence of queerness during conflict, exploring the stories of German, Dutch, Czech and Polish victims – survivors who were not only persecuted for being Jewish, but also for their sexuality. Hájková discusses how history has excluded or minimised their experiences and the impact this has on wider Holocaust testimonies.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 24 May
Artist Talk: Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments
Miriam Elia presents her new book and exhibition (see art), which provides a Jewish satirical response to modern-day health and safety concerns. She’ll discuss her work with Liat Rosenthal, director of Jewish Culture Month.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 28 May
The Future Is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land
Peace activists Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon launch their new book, which uncovers the mythic, political and personal history that divides but also binds them and their people. Both writers, who are Palestinian and Israeli, respectively, have lost family in the recent conflict and The Future is Peace: A Shared Journey Across the Holy Land, which is set over the course of a week, explores how compassion and unity can save humanity from the precipice of hatred. Read our review of The Future is Peace in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
7.15pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 31 May
Celebrating Nina Salaman's Life and Poetry
Celebrate Jewish Culture Month with a poetry reading honouring the life and work of poet, translator and activist Nina Salaman, who has been laid to rest at Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Hear original poems, as well as her Hebrew translations, and visit her grave in this reflective event.
2pm. £5. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Tuesday 16 June
James Joyce's Ulysses - A Novel of Two Peoples
Renowned Irish author James Joyce once described his most famous book, Ulysses, as “a novel of two peoples”: the Irish and the Jewish. Explore that theme further on Bloomsday – so dubbed because the story of Ulysses’ protagonist, Leopold Bloom, takes place on 16 June 1904. Join literary enthusiasts and fellow writers Zachary Leader, Eimear McBride and Toby Lichtig for an evening of Joycean nerding out.
7.30pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 17 June
Not Only for Ourselves: The Past, Present and Future of JCORE
Discover the history of JCORE, an organisation that’s been campaigning against antisemitism since 1976, at this launch for a new book about their history. Now known as HIAS+JCORE, since joining forces with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in 2022, they provide a Jewish voice on refugee and asylum issues in the UK. The event also features a panel discussion between JCORE founder Dr Edie Friedman, Rabbi David Mason, executive director of HIAS+JCORE, the book’s author Joseph Finlay and more guests.
7.30pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 18 June
And The Cello Came Too
Robin Lustig delves into the complex history of his German Jewish family in his new book, which gives a perspective on the experience of Jewish refugees in alien cities who carved out new lives for themselves. He’ll discuss And the Cello Came too: A Story of Survival with Michael Newman, chief executive of the Association of Jewish Refugees.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
BOOKS & POETRY
Tuesday 26 May
Bennett Arron: I Regret This Already
See above for details.
7.30pm. £20. Circle and Star Theatre, NW3 6TE. www.jokepit.com
Thursday 28 – Saturday 30 May
Michelle de Swarte: The Afters
Jewish Caribbean-Londoner Michelle de Swarte presents her razor-sharp stand-up comedy, which ponders the questions of modern life. She’s looking for answers about life before social media, clinging on to youth, whether tarot card readers replace actual therapy and other amusing observations.
8pm. From £23. Hackney Empire, E8 1EJ. www.hackneyempire.co.uk
Thursday 11 June
Mark Maier: Jewvenile
Award-winning funny man Mark Maier, the first British comedian to have played the San Francisco Jewish comedy festival presents Jewvenile, in which he tackles hard-hitting topics such as cushions, blue badges and Jewish wife swapping.
7.30pm. £22.50. Radlett Centre, WD7 8HL. www.radlettcentre.co.uk
COMEDY
Sunday 24 May
Shavuot Learn and Sing
Ilana Banana hosts a high-energy Shavuot celebration for little ones and their grown-ups, featuring rainbow ribbons, shakers, instruments, bubbles, parachute play and lots of joy. Join in for a musical journey to the foot of the mountain to receive the Torah!
2pm. £7 per child, £5 per adult. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 26 May
Family Resilience Bootcamp: Physical Safety and Digital Resilience
At a time of rising antisemitic threats and a big increase in online hatred, this programme provides children and adults with practical tools to stay safe, confident and emotionally supported. Learn age-appropriate self defence skills and situational awareness techniques, as well as digital safety and online resilience. Suitable for ages 12+.
10.30am. From £18. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 28 May
Challah-bration! A Family Challah Bake
All ages are welcome to join JW3’s first-ever collaborative bake, a feel-good event celebrating the meaningful Jewish tradition of making challah. No prior experience necessary, the session teaches the art of braiding dough and includes family-friendly activities.
10.30am. £32.50. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 31 May
Mitzvah Mission: Impossible!
Pier Pressure Welwyn presents a high-stakes, family-friendly escape room experience. JW3’s big Bar Mitzvah bash begins soon, but a major disaster has struck behind the scenes! Can you crack the puzzles, recover the essentials and find the code to the high-security vault holding the guest of honour’s speech before the music starts? Suitable for ages 9+.
1pm. £10. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
family
Friday 24, Sunday 26 & Wednesday 29 April
The Last Spy
Age is just a number for 102-year-old Peter Sichel, who, despite heavy dissuasion from the CIA, tells the unredacted story of his life as a spymaster in the OSS, America’s first intelligence agency. His memoirs reveal the lesser-known side of espionage throughout the Cold War, the accusations of him being a Soviet spy and questions over his allegiances. Katharina Otto-Bernstein presents the true story of a man who lived an extraordinary life through his rose-tinted glasses with wit and wisdom.
Times vary. £5. Bertha DocHouse, WC1N 1AW. www.dochouse.org
Sunday 26 – Wednesday 30 April
The Last Spy
Age is just a number for 102-year-old Peter Sichel, who, despite heavy dissuasion from the CIA, tells the unredacted story of his life as a spymaster in the OSS, America’s first intelligence agency. His memoirs reveal the lesser-known side of espionage throughout the Cold War, the accusations of him being a Soviet spy and questions over his allegiances. Katharina Otto-Bernstein presents the true story of a man who lived an extraordinary life through his rose-tinted glasses with wit and wisdom.
7pm (Sun only), 2pm. £9 - £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 6 May
Orphan
Set in Hungary, 1957, a boy is reunited with his mother shortly after the failed revolution against Soviet rule. After being told his father died during the war, the boy longs to confront the truth. Hungarian director, writer and producer László Nemes, best known for the Oscar-winning Holocaust drama Son of Saul, presents the complexities of a Jewish community rebuilding itself following destruction in this new film. Read more about Orphan in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
6.30pm. £17.50. Phoenix Cinema, N2 9PJ. www.ukjewishfilm.org
Thursday 14 May
Forgotten Voices: The Third Reich’s Elite Schools
First-person testimony, rare archival materials and expert historian insight combine in this 30-minute documentary exploring the elite boarding schools founded by the Nazis to train the future leaders of the Third Reich. Explore how these institutions recruited boys into a militarised radically charged regime. Preceded by a presentation by Dr Helen Roche (Durham University) and followed by a Q&A.
6.30pm. FREE. The Wiener Holocaust Library, WC1B 5DP. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Thursday 11 June
Kosher Giraffes & Other Tails
British-Austrian moviemaker, musician and painter Hugo Max presents some of his experimental short films, which provide a unique take on Jewish identity. These are screened alongside live music and followed by a Q&A.
8pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
FILM AND TV
MUSIC
UNTIL Thursday 30 July
JMI Community Orchestra
Internationally acclaimed cellist Shirley Smart leads a monthly rehearsal exploring Maqam, Middle Eastern classical Jewish, klezmer and folk music. Suitable for musicians grade five and up looking for professional leadership and an inclusive community.
7pm. From £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 20 April
Klezmer Klub
Enjoy a vibrant evening of music inspired by Eastern European sounds. Klezmer Klub performs in Yiddish, with singer Vivi Lachs leading on songs by immigrants from London’s East End.
8pm. £10. The Alpaca, N1 8LU. www.klezmerklub.co.uk
Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 April
Rosalind: A New Opera
A chamber orchestra and 12 singers perform a new opera about Rosalind Franklin, at the very place where the pioneering scientist worked on her groundbreaking research into the structure of DNA. Preceded by a pre-production talk exploring how historical material was combined with new music to revive one of science’s most extraordinary figures on stage.
6pm. From £25. Kings College Chapel, WC2R 2LS. www.tickettailor.com/events/helixmusic
Sunday 31 May
Ottoman-Jewish Masters: The Lost Sounds of Istanbul
Discover the classical and often overlooked musical legacy of Jewish composers from the Ottoman Empire. Works by Boncukçu, Avram Karakaş, Tanburi İsak and more will be performed in an evening celebrating an era where faith and art coexisted harmoniously.
5.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 7 June
L’Chaim / L’Chaos: 50 Years of Jewish Punk
Enjoy live interviews, DJ sets, a photo exhibition, book launch, poetry, film and a performance celebrating punk rock and its relationship with Jewish culture. Hosted as part of Jewish Culture Month.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 21 June
Alyth Chloral Society Summer Concert
Community choir Alyth Choral Society presents a summer concert of Jewish liturgy, Hebrew and Yiddish song, and classic pieces.
7pm. Price TBC. North Western Reform Synagogue, NW11 7EN. www.alythchoralsociety.com
Tuesday 30 June
Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra
Following the success of his album Still Blooming, which reached number one on the Official Jazz and Blues Albums Chart, Hollywood actor Jeff Goldblum takes his jazz band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, on their first ever UK tour. Hear classic American Songbook favourites as well as contemporary pieces, as Goldblum presents his signature crooner skills behind the piano. Read more about Jeff Goldblum and the tour on the JR blog.
6.45pm. From £58. Royal Albert Hall, SW7 2AP. www.royalalberthall.com
TALKS
Sunday 26 April
An Evening with The Rabbi and The Imam
Faith leaders Imam Nasser Kurdy MBE and Rabbi Dovid Lewis discuss their podcast, which explores how genuine conversation can bridge the divide of conflict. Since 7 October, the two have partnered on various interfaith initiatives, preserving and deepening their friendship despite the strain on many cross-cultural Jewish and Muslim relationships. Read our interview with Kurdy and Lewis in the Winter 2026 issue of JR.
7pm. £10. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 29 April
Ahead of Israel’s 2026 Election: What’s at Stake?
Middle East analyst Jonathan Paris hosts a timely discussion about the issues Israel faces ahead of the upcoming election. He’ll look at the possibilities of unseating prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country holding a proper inquiry into the events of 7 October, the chance of another confrontation with Iran, the impact of Gaza’s Board of Peace and the future of Saudi Arabia’s politics.2pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 29 April
Israel/Iran Unpacked
Journalists Jonathan Harounoff and David Patrikarakos are joined by analyst Efrat Sopher for an in-depth conversation exploring what’s going on inside Iran and how it impacts Israel, the Middle East and the wider world.
6.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 29 April
The Modern Tapestry of Jewish Abstraction
Art historian Sophie Lachowsky examines how the emigrant experience and Talmudic teaching inspired artists to imagine a new visual language in their works. She looks into creatives including Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine and Lee Krasner, who used Jewish folklore, personal history and spirituality in their practice.
7.15pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 6 May
In Conversation with Hen Mazzig
Hear from globally recognised Israeli writer, speaker and social media activist Hen Mazzig. Hosted by JW3 and the Jewish Leadership Council.
7.30pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 10 May
You Can Take the Jew Out of the East End…
Historian Vivi Lachs discusses three Yiddish creatives from Hackney, who were known for their ironic, comical sketches in newspapers. Gain a fresh perspective on immigrant Jewish life in London, with stories of the writers, who fled poverty and pogroms, and hear a Yiddish song about Victoria Park.
1pm. £3. Sutton House, E9 6JQ. www.hackneyhistoryfestival.org
Monday 11 May
A Life in 13 Pictures
Journalist Darren Richman presents the story of his late grandfather, Holocaust survivor Zigi Shipper. Through 13 carefully chosen photographs, explore the personal and unexpected details behind Shipper’s story of survival, rebuilding and achievement.
7pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 18 May
Society and Survival During the Holocaust
The sixth annual Alfred Wiener Holocaust Memorial Lecture focuses on the experiences of hiding and helping during the Holocaust, highlighting the various societies that aided Jewish survival. Mary Fullbrook (University College London) discusses non-Jewish responses to antisemitic propaganda and the tribulations of those who attempted to avoid persecution regionally.
6pm. FREE. ONLINE & Gresham College, EC1N 2HH. www.wienerholocaustlibrary.org
Monday 18 May
A Fourth Annual Cricket Evening
Author Daniel Lightman appears in conversation with former England captain Mike Brearley OBE and Test Match Special commentator Daniel Norcross to discuss previously unknown stories of Jewish (and Jew-ish) cricketers.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 26 May
Secrets of the Cockney Yiddish Music Hall
Uncover the little-known stories of London’s Yiddish music scene during the turn of the 20th century with historian Vivi Lachs. Hear about the satirical, edgy and surprising sounds of a community in transition, grappling with religious, emotional and ideological hurdles as Jewish immigrants trying to integrate into British life.
7pm. £12. The Club for Acts and Actors, WC2E 9HP. www.ticketsource.com/bookings/evt-xPZR20JQnRE13KM6
Thursday 4 June
Graham Gouldman: 10 Songs that Changed My Life
10cc’s Graham Gouldman sits down with DJ Gary Crowley to discuss the songs that shaped his life. The Jewish singer-songwriter also shares the stories and inspirations behind his music.
7.30pm. £18. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 9 June
The Sassoons: From Baghdad to Britain
Discover the story and legacy of the influential Sassoon family with Lyn Julius, as part of Jewish Culture Month. Entrepreneur David Sassoon made a name for himself in the Far East, but his descendants craved acceptance within British society. The clan included MPs Edward and Philip, poet Siegfried, collector Hannah Gubbay and editor Rachel Beer.
7pm. From £12.50. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.harif.org
Wednesday 10 June
The Expulsion of the Jews from England 1290
Historian Jill Stern explores King Edward’s order to expel Jews from England in 1290. She questions whether similar actions occurred in other parts of Europe and discusses one individual in particular who managed to slip through the net.
11am. £20. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 23 June
Middle East Update
Analyst Jonathan Paris discusses the latest issues currently shaping the Middle East. He’ll cover the longevity of the Islamic regime, as well as the possibility of peace between Israel and Syria, the disarming of Hamas and Hezbollah, and Trump’s continued support.
7.30pm. £20. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 25 June
Jews in Hairdressing
Discover the remarkable imprint Jewish hairdressers made on 20th-century popular culture. Presented by Zuleika Rodgers, daughter of Dublin’s first Vidal Sassoon stylist and author of an upcoming book exploring the topic; and Leslie Cavendish, a hairdresser whose celebrity clients included The Beatles, Bee Gees and more.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 1 July
Barbara Hepworth: Carving New Spaces
Coinciding with the Courtauld Gallery’s exhibition, Hepworth in Colour (see Art), Sophia Lachowsky discusses how Barbara Hepworth’s body of work engaged with Jewish artists who migrated to Britain. The sculptor, who had a fascination with colour, used organic shapes and ‘pierced’ holes to reflect a deep connection between human figures and the natural world.
7.15pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 5 July
Remembering the Fallen with No Known Grave
To mark 80 years since the end of World War II, AJEX (The Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen) presents a special service of remembrance at the Jewish War Memorial in Willesden Jewish Cemetery.
1pm. Price tbc. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.ajex.org.uk
Wednesday 8 July
The Right Honourable Lady Ingrid Simler DBE
Discover The Rt Hon. Lady Simler DBE’s unusual life story and career, which have been pivotal in her commitment to diversity and inclusion within law. She discusses her journey to the Supreme Court with Samantha Leek KC.
6.45pm. £20. Central London location provided upon booking. www.jewishlawyers.co.uk
THEATRE
until Saturday 18 April
Broken Glass
Arthur Miller’s rarely performed play focuses on the defiant Sylvia Gellburg. Set in Brooklyn in 1938, Gellburg helplessly reads about the violent attacks on the Jewish community in Germany. She becomes fixated on the atrocities, so much so that she loses the ability to walk. Meanwhile, her husband battles with his Jewish heritage and wants to integrate himself into the broader culture – to the detriment of their marriage. Directed by Jordan Fein, who recently worked on the smash-hit stage adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof. Read more about Arthur Miller in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat only). From £20, from £15 concs. Young Vic, SE1 8LZ. www.youngvic.org
until Saturday 2 May
Dear Jack, Dear Louise
Ken Ludwig presents the stage adaptation of his parent’s true love story; a couple who met through correspondence during World War II after being set up as pen pals. Military doctor and US Army Captain Jack and aspiring actor and dancer Louise exchanged hundreds of letters, showing the power of words even in the darkest chapters of history. This is the UK premiere of Dear Jack, Dear Louise, and was inspired by Ludwig’s Jewish faith and heritage. Read our review of Dear Jack, Dear Louise on the JR blog.
7.30pm, 3pm (Sat only). From £12. Arcola Theatre, E8 3DL. www.arcolatheatre.com
until Saturday 2 May
The Holy Rosenbergs
The Rosenberg family are in crisis and it’s only exasperated further after the death of son Danny, an Israeli soldier. His father David is consumed with trying to save his failing catering business; wife Lesley is trying to save David; and their daughter Ruth is facing public backlash for investigating war crimes in Gaza on behalf of the United Nations. Ryan Craig’s 2011 play, which premiered at the National Theatre, appears at Menier Chocolate Factory for a timely and pertinent run. Read more about The Holy Rosenbergs in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
7.30pm, 3pm (Sat & Sun only). £35-£49.50, £35 concs. Menier Chocolate Factory, SE1 1TE. www.menierchocolatefactory.com
UNTIL Saturday 23 May
Please Please Me
Dive into the rich journey of The Beatles and their founding manager Brian Epstein. When the music entrepreneur discovers the legendary band, he makes it his life’s mission to make them the most famous group on earth. Mirroring the true story, Epstein grapples with his identity – he was Jewish at a time of rising antisemitism and gay when homosexuality was criminalised. See how this led to his eventual downfall, culminating in his premature death aged just 32. Read more about Please Please Me in the Winter 2026 issue of JR.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed & Sat only). From £15. Kiln Theatre, NW6 7JR. www.kilntheatre.com
Until Saturday 30 May
Into the Woods
Jewish playwrights Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine weave together classic fairytales including Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood in their musical. Into the Woods follows a childless baker and his wife, who are cursed by the witch next door and must embark on a quest in the forest to break the spell and have a child – but their selfishness comes with dark consequences as they face the reality of ‘happily ever after’. Directed by Jordan Fein, who has recently worked on the smash-hit stage adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof. Read more about Into the Woods in the Winter 2026 issue of JR.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat). From £35. Bridge Theatre, SE1 2SG. www.bridgetheatre.co.uk
until Sunday 7 June
The Price
Find out what happens when two estranged brothers meet to sort out their late father’s possessions in Jonathan Munby’s new adaptation of Arthur Miller’s family drama. The Price, one of the late playwright’s most intimate and explosive works, explores Jewish American identity through an emotional reckoning, resentment, sacrifice and buried truth. Read more about Arthur Miller in the Spring 2026 issue of JR.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Sat & Sun only). From £19.50. Marylebone Theatre, NW1 6XT. www.marylebonetheatre.com
Until Sunday 4 October
Oliver!
Lionel Bart’s musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel returns for its second year at the Gielgud Theatre, featuring all of the acclaimed original cast. The orphaned Oliver Twist finds himself in London’s dark underworld with Fagin and his team of pickpockets, led by the Artful Dodger. With a score of well-known songs, including ‘Oom Pah Pah’ and ‘As Long as He Needs Me’, follow Oliver as he looks for happiness in Dickens’ story of the boy who asked for more.
7.30pm, 2.30pm (Wed, Thu & Sat), 7pm (Tue only). From £35. Gielgud Theatre, W1D 6AR. www.oliverthemusical.com
Sunday 5 – Saturday 16 May
Ashes and Diamonds
Gail Louw’s one-woman play compares the experience of being a grandmother to being a mother, exploring a variety of memories, some playful, some disturbing. Ashes and Diamonds is based on the true story of Sara Tauba Klagsbrun, who had to conceal her Jewish identity from five years old, before harrowingly escaping the Holocaust, mostly on foot.
7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 3pm (Wed & Sat only). £16, £10 concs. White Bear Theatre, SE11 4DJ. www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk
Thursday 4 – Sunday 28 June
How to Make a Mess
Emily Rose Simons and Grace Taylor present a ‘totally unauthorised love letter’ to the iconic Jewish cook Nigella Lawson. Discover the power her recipes have in navigating grief, choosing what we let into our lives and what we leave behind in How to Make a Mess. The musical focuses on Anna, who receives Lawson’s seminal cookbook How to Eat when her estranged mother passes away.
7.30pm. £25. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, N6 4BD. www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com
Tuesday 9 June
Picking Up Stones
Sandra Laub presents a number of perspectives reacting to the 7 October attacks in her solo play. From Golda Meir to a Palestinian mother, she explores the complexities in feeling empathy for families on both sides of the Israel Gaza conflict and tackles the subsequent spike in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Followed by a discussion with Laub.
7pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 10 June – Saturday 4 July
Soldiers of Tomorrow
Former Israeli Defence Force (IDF) conscript Itai Erdal shares a deeply personal exploration of the Arab Israeli conflict on stage. The play, which is having its first UK run since 7 October 2023, was inspired by Erdal’s eight-year-old nephew coming home with a box to fill for front-line soldiers marked “to the soldiers of today, from the soldiers of tomorrow”. Erdal is joined onstage by Syrian musician Emad Armoush, who plays the oud (stringed instrument) and the ney (a type of flute). Each performance is followed by a post-show discussion.
7.30pm, 3pm (Sat & Sun only). From £20, from £18 concs. Finborough Theatre, SW10 9ED. www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk
Sunday 21 June
Rainbows on Rye
Short comedies and original musical theatre songs express the joys – and oys – of being Jewish and gay. Presented by Echoes Theatre Co. and THE JEWish CABARET.
7pm. £18. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 24 June
Yiddish Theatre Reboot
The London Yiddish Players make their stage debut with a fast–paced, dramatic and moving series of sketches and extracts from classics, including The Dybbuk, and stories by Sholem Aleichem, the writer behind Fiddler on the Roof. Long–term thespians and first–time performers unite for this production, which is directed by comedian and writer David Schneider, theatre artist and Yiddish educator Tamara Micner and historian and singer Vivi Lachs.
7.30pm. £15. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 3 May
Retail Giants: Heroes of the High Street
A number of stories relating to the big names on today’s high street that are buried in Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Discover the fascinating tales behind the lives of the people who contributed to a huge variety of things we buy today, from furniture, clothes and jewellery to fuel and food, including Jack Cohen, founder of Tesco, and Harriet Samuel of high street jewellers H Samuel.
11am. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Sunday 3 May
Lauriston Road Cemetery
Discover the history of the Grade II listed Lauriston Road Cemetery in this guided walk, which will look at the various projects happening at the site to preserve its Jewish heritage for future generations.
11.30am. FREE. Lauriston Road Cemetery, E9 7LH. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Sunday 3 May
Retail Giants: Heroes of the High Street
Discover the fascinating tales behind the lives of the people who contributed to a surprisingly large number of things we buy today, from furniture, clothes and jewellery to fuel and food. Big names include Jack Cohen, the founder of Tesco, and Harriet Samuel of high street jewellers H Samuel.
11am. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Wednesday 6 May
Old Jewish Quarter: The Wonders of Whitechapel
Hidden within London’s East End are stories of notable Jewish characters and the places that shaped their experiences. This walking tour features a tiny synagogue surrounded by a mosque, a pub where the order of the day was lager and latkes, a wine shop that smuggled kosher claret and much more. As well as visiting the sites, learn about the fatal battle between rival Jewish gangs, the events that took place in Britain’s most famous Yiddish theatre and the immigrant who was the only witness to a Jack the Ripper murder.
10.30am. £20. Meeting point provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 11 May
At Home with the Rothschilds
Discover the stories behind the famous Rothschild family, the Ashkenazi Jews who established a globally-reaching financial empire. Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky leads a walking tour through the city, exploring the sites linked to the family and their famous neighbours, including former prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.
11am. £20. Meeting point provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 17 May
London's Jewish History Over the Centuries
Discover the story of London’s Jews in a walking tour exploring 1,000 years of history, dating back to medieval times. Starting in Aldgate, hear about the personalities that shaped the city’s Jewish history, and see many of the most important sites that feature along the way.
3pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 24 May
Pioneers of Science & Medicine in Willesden Jewish Cemetery
Discover groundbreaking scientists, doctors and industrialists who made invaluable contributions to science in this walk around Willesden Jewish Cemetery.
11am. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Tuesday 9 June
London’s Famous Attractions with Amazing Jewish Connections
Learn the little-known Jewish stories behind some of London’s most iconic sites in this walking tour led by Stephen Burstin. Discover all areas of the city’s history, from the tragic fate of 18 Jews in Parliament Square, to the Jewish ancestry of former prime minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street, to the billionaire cousins who clashed during the Napoleonic Wars, with a sprinkling of tales from the world of cinema.
10.30am. £20. Meeting location provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 14 June
Creativity Unwrapped
Delve into the lives and legacies of the artists, architects and creative personalities who’ve been laid to rest at the historic Willesden Jewish Cemetery. Uncover their artistic contributions and the ingenuity that shaped their lives and careers.
11am. £10, £8 concs. Willesden Jewish Cemetery, NW10 2JE. www.willesdenjewishcemetery.org.uk
Sunday 21 June
Art and Refugees in Hampstead
Marilyn Greene guides a walk around Hampstead, focusing on the home of lawyer Fred Uhlman. With his wife Diana, he set up an artist refugee committee that helped save Jewish artists stranded in Czechoslovakia during World War II. Discover the places he frequented and learn about the other Jewish artists and designers who settled in the area.
2pm. £20. Meeting point provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 28 June
Spitalfields: The Historic Jewish East End of London
Venture through the capital’s East End, past Bevis Marks – the UK’s oldest functioning synagogue – to the buzzing Spitalfields Market. Marc Gardiner guides participants through historic streets, including Brick Lane, where Yiddish was once the most common language, and to corners of the city that boast Jewish history dating back 1,000 years.
3pm. £20. Starting point provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
Tuesday 30 June
Jewish Theatreland
Blue Badge Guide Rachel Kolsky leads a walk of London’s theatreland, discussing the impact of Jewish actors, producers, writers and performers on the West End Stage.
11am. £20. Meeting point provided upon booking. www.jw3.org.uk
WALKS
WORKSHOPS
Tuesday 21 April – Tuesday 14 July
The Art of Hebrew Calligraphy
Develop your skills in Hebrew calligraphy, artwork and colour with expert Vetta Alexis. Work towards creating beautiful, illuminated Hebrew letters, words, quotations and more with ink, painting and gold leaf in these weekly sessions.
11am. £180. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Monday 27 April – Monday 13 July
What on Earth is Peace on Earth?
Learn how ancient wisdom can help us respond to contemporary conflicts in this weekly course, led by academic Angela Gluck. By looking into the wisdom of Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions, discover the different concepts of peace and how it manifests – or doesn’t – in various levels of society.
10.30am. £180. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 30 April – Thursday 2 July
Modern Jewish Literature
Explore writings of the Jewish East End, focusing on the plays of Arnold Wesker, poetry and prose of Emanuel Litvinoff and the impact of short stories by writers including Isaac Babel and Grace Paley. Hosted by artist and teacher Naomi Grant and featuring JR’s executive director Dr Aviva Dautch (4 June), who’ll discuss the winner of the 2026 Wingate Prize.
10.30am. £162, £20 per session. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6WT. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 30 April
Death Café
Thoughts and feelings about life and death are discussed sensitively and with an added Jewish perspective. Led by Sally Berkovic, author of Death Duties: The Chevra Kadisha, participants are invited to approach one of life’s most challenging topics with an open mind and a personal connection.
2pm. FREE. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Thursday 7 May
Whiskey Masterclass
For the first time in London, Israel’s acclaimed whiskey producer Milk and Honey Distillery presents an exclusive whiskey masterclass, with chairman of the UK Wine Guild Tal Sunderland-Cohen. Sample tasters of kosher stills matured in The Galilee, Dead Sea and more.
7.30pm. £30. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 10 May
Medieval Jewish London History Day
A day of talks, a walking tour and family activities celebrate London’s medieval Jewish community in the surroundings of the city’s original Jewish quarter. Speakers include scholars Dr Dean Irwin and Dr Rory MacLellan, The Jewish Museum will run children’s craft activities throughout the day, accompanied by klezmer tunes from Hop Skotshne.
9.45am. £12. Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS. www.thejewishsquaremile.org
Sunday 10 May & Sunday 14 June
Walk & Write
Explore the neighbourhood surrounding JW3, including a look at Leon Fenster’s nine-storey mural, before heading back to the building to write. Led by Nichola Charalambou, founder of Creative Writes. Refreshments provided.
2pm. £36, £20 per session. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 20 May
An Evening of Edible Memory: Food, Identity & Jewish Life
A panel of culinary experts explores the important role of food within Judaism. Sephardi chef Linda Dangoor, author Alissa Timoshkina and food writer Helen Graham present cookery demonstrations and discuss how cherished recipes, which are handed down through generations, carry stories that shape today’s communities and conversations. Read our interview with Linda Dangoor in the Autumn 2025 issue of JR.
7.30pm. £20. JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Wednesday 3 – Wednesday 24 June
Philosophy of Possibilities and Jewish Thought Today
Lecturer Daniel Weizman (City Lit and the Mary Ward Centre) presents a weekly course, exploring Jewish ideas of hospitality, minority and community within contemporary politics, drawing on the works of philosophers Jacques Derrida, Gilles Deleuze and Jean-Luc Nancy. Discover how their ideas resonate with and challenge Jewish thoughts on exile and coexistence.
7pm. £72, £20 per session. ONLINE & JW3, NW3 6ET. www.jw3.org.uk
Sunday 12 – Friday 17 July
Azara x Limmud Summer Beit Midrash
In the inaugural workshop hosted by Jewish educational organisations Azara and Limmud, participants from all backgrounds are invited to develop a stronger relationship with the joyful texts of Judaism. This year’s theme is ‘The Possibility of Change’, in both a personal and collective sense, focusing specifically on teshuvah (repentance) and tikun (repair). Sessions include beginner and intensive Talmud studies, training on teaching texts with Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies and community meals. There’s accommodation in both the Jewish environmental community centre Sadeh Farm or a nearby hotel.
Times vary. £250, £120 concs. Sadeh Farm, Skeet Hill House, BR6 7QA. www.azara.org.uk
Monday 17 – Friday 21 August
Yiddish Summer School
Explore all strands of Yiddish creativity in a week-long summer work shop, led by Sima Beeri, Osian Evans Sharma and Tamara Micner. The programme features Yiddish language classes for all levels, klezmer workshops, poetry readings, talks on history and literature, song and puppetry workshops.
Times, price and North West London location tbc. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdps79EZad7NTRsyrGrISBqGckws7QpZ-M7w9rlym5spSlzYw/viewform