England’s first known Jewish inhabitants came from Normandy soon after the Norman Conquest and by the end of the twelfth century the community in England had been granted a right of residence and a right of free movement plus a substantial degree of autonomy in intra-communal disputes by king Henry II and his sons Richard … Continue reading Jews and the Law in Medieval England
Many suspect that the 21st century will be Africa's century, but for many of us the African continent remains a fairly unknown place. Least known amongst its many unknown features is the emergence of new Jewish communities to join the long-standing ones that have been there for nearly two centuries. Clive Lawton will explore some … Continue reading The Jews of Africa
Based on an expansive collection of a thousand autobiographical paintings found after the war - considered by some to be the first graphic novel - this stunningly beautiful, animated film sheds light on the life and work of Berlin-born artist Charlotte Salomon. Restricted and haunted by antisemitic laws, the immensely gifted Salomon was forced to … Continue reading Charlotte
In this conversation with Lisa Lipman, Viviane will discuss her childhood in Egypt and her memories of growing up in a Jewish community which at the time numbered 80,000 . They all left or were expelled between 1948 and 1967. The 1930s to early 1950s are considered Egypt’s golden era, when Cairo was known as … Continue reading Once upon a time in Egypt – Memories of a bygone era
In this illustrated talk, Jenny King tells the remarkable story of her grandfather Sam King and his journey from an impoverished Jewish immigrant family to a cinema and property mogul. Together with his friend Alf Shipman, they fulfilled their dream of building a chain of magnificent Art Deco cinemas, starting in the First World War with … Continue reading Shipman and King Cinemas: a celebration of Jewish enterprise and family
Italy 2022, 128 mins, Italian (with English subtitles); Director Giuseppe Piccione, featuring Riccardo Scarmarcio, Benedetta Porcaroli The film is set in 1938 Italy. Like the majority of his fellow Italians, decorated war veteran and restaurant manager Luciano is a staunch supporter of the country’s fascist regime. Shortly after the Italian racial laws are introduced, Anna, a … Continue reading Shadow of the Day
The remarkable medieval moneylender, Licoricia of Winchester rose from obscure beginnings to become the personal banker to Henry III and the richest Jewish woman in 13th century England. Twice married, twice widowed and the mother of four sons, she was a self-made woman in a man-made world. But in an age of political turmoil and … Continue reading Licoricia of Winchester: an exception who proves the rule?
The making of the Last Musician of Auschwitz Toby Trackman • London The Last Musician of Auschwitz is a complex, powerful film which uses the surprising existence of music in the camp to explore the role of art in preserving a sense of humanity in the face of the most terrible violations. Director of the … Continue reading The making of the Last Musician of Auschwitz
Golda USA/UK 2023,100 mins, English Director Guy Nattiv, featuring Helen Mirren, Liev Schreiber Set during the tense 19 days of the Yom Kippur War in 1973, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir is faced with the potential of Israel’s complete destruction. She must navigate overwhelming odds, a sceptical cabinet and a complex relationship with US Secretary … Continue reading Golda
East End Jewish Life Vivi Lachs • London Vivi Lachs will introduce her new book, East End Jews: Sketches from the London Yiddish Press, with a lively presentation and performed readings. The book offers an unparalleled view into the life, labour, politics and joys of London's Jewish East End, from its heyday in the 1890s … Continue reading East End Jewish Life
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