Jewish culture in the UK is to be celebrated in an inaugural month-long event – aimed at people of all faiths and backgrounds.
Jewish Culture Month will take place across the UK from Saturday 16 May to Tuesday 16 June inclusive and focus on a range of themes including British Jewish contributions to music, literature, food, history, fashion, architecture and comedy.
The month will feature more than 100 individual events.
It will include a host of talks, tours, live events, screenings and workshops, taking place in venues ranging from theatres and galleries to restaurants, public spaces, Friday night home suppers and community hubs.
The cultural institutions participating are Tate, V&A South Kensington,The British Museum, Southbank Centre, National Portrait Gallery, Museum of the Home, Manchester Museum, The British Library, Freud Museum London, HOME Manchester, The London Archives, The Little Theatre Cinema, Chichester Cinema, Bodleian Libraries, The Story Museum, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Science Museum, Museum of Liverpool, The Met, Ark – Cliftonville’s Cultural Space, Manchester Jewish Museum, Phoenix Picturehouse Oxford, Cinema City Norwich, Brighton & Hove Jewish Community Hub(BNJC), Manchester City Galleries, JW3, National Holocaust Museum, The Whitworth, Jewish Museum London, North East Museums and UK Jewish Film. Hinting at the international appeal of the event, the Irish Jewish Museum in Dublin will also host an event.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom, Lisa Nandy MP, said: “ I’m really pleased to support the first UK Jewish Culture Month and look forward to its success among people of all faiths and communities.”
V&A director Sir Tristram Hunt said: “ As one of the world’s leading museums of art, design and performance, the V&A is a proud participant in the inaugural Jewish Culture Month.]
“We look forward to welcoming people to our events and displays, celebrating the rich and unique history of British Jewish culture.”
Jewish Culture Month Director (and former curator at Tate Modern), Liat Rosenthal said: The month-long programme will showcase the richness and diversity of Jewish culture in all its forms.”
Leading British actor Tracy-Ann Oberman MBE said: “ The UK Jewish community has given so much to art and culture in the UK.
“This month-long celebration will be a wonderful opportunity to share some of our greatest hits.
“I hope the initiative only grows and grows.”
Jewish Culture Month is a project of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the national representative body of the UK Jewish community.
Board of Deputies President Phil Rosenberg said: “The UK’s first-ever Jewish Culture Month will celebrate the contribution made by Jews across the UK.
“We want both Jewish people and our friends and neighbours of different faiths and beliefs to experience all the light, creativity and laughter of Jewish life in the UK.
“After a difficult few years for the Jewish community, we believe that Jewish Culture Month will be an unmissable opportunity for less ‘oy’ and more joy.”