The Jewish Living Exhibition, which enables schoolchildren to experience the most important aspects of Jewish life through an interactive display, was launched in Ipswich last night.
The exhibition, run by the Board of Deputies of British Jews in association with Suffolk SACRE, was opened in the presence of the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Glen Chisholme, David Ellesmere, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council and the Board’s Vice President, Sheila Gewolb.
The display which is seen by thousands of people every year, comprises a dozen stands with simple information and role-playing items, including a mocked up Shabbat table, dressing up items, examples of kosher foods and engaging puzzles. It is aimed at primary school children is designed to meet the new requirements of the new Religious Education Judaism syllabus. It will be running for two weeks.
Speaking at the launch, Sheila Gewolb said: “This interactive event introduces non-Jewish schoolchildren to Judaism – our beliefs, religious practices and customs. I believe it is so important in today’s troubled climate that we do everything we can do help prevent misunderstandings and misconceptions about all minority faiths, not just Jews, to help prevent mistrust and fear of the other that can lead to race hate and antisemitism.”
Photo: Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Glen Chisholme with Board Education Manager Sara Perlmutter (left) and Board Vice President Sheila Gewolb