To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Scribe, Natasha Dangoor introduces a new Jubilee issue of the Iraqi Jewish magazine

The Scribe, first established by my great-uncle Sir Naim Dangoor in 1971, was a community magazine that gave an insight into the ways of the Iraqi Jewish world. Going through previous editions of The Scribe this summer, I was inspired to compose and design a special Jubilee edition of the magazine with a young, modern spin to mark the beginning of the 50th year since the publication began.

In such strange and unprecedented times, I thought of no better way to help strengthen our community spirit than to share the opinions, memories and projects that people have to offer with others. I have thoroughly enjoyed reflecting on my heritage and exploring the culture and history of my family and community. I've included snippets from previous editions of the magazine, showing that though times may have changed, our wit has not.

This special Jubilee issue brings us up to date with news on Sephardi life around the globe and recounts our Iraqi culture, history and beyond. Read compelling stories from Baghdad, both past and present, and discover today’s Iraq; glimpse the latest films and documentaries our community has produced; see the recent projects from our creative talents; gain insightful perspectives on current affairs, including Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks’ exploration of the shape of a post-Covid world; and delight in food stories, recipes old and new, and up the ante on your Rosh Hashanah treats.

I hope you enjoy reading it just as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.

By Natasha Dangoor

The Scribe is available digitally from Thursday 17 September via Exact Editions and in print with Jewish Renaissance's October issue, out Thursday 8 October.