SCOTLAND
Sunday 1 December
Loving Strangers
Jay Prosser explores Jewish life in his memoir, which looks at the more unconventional narratives of Jewish identity. By presenting communities in unexpected places such as Iraq, India, China and Singapore, Prosser looks at how Jews have integrated with others, rather than living separately. The author will present his work, which emphasises the importance of inclusivity and cross-cultural connections.
7.30pm. Price TBC. Marian Oppenheim Hall, EH16 5AB. www.scojec.org
Sunday 12 January
Listening for God in Torah and Creation
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg introduces his recent book, which provides insights on ancient Judaism for spiritual seekers of all faiths and none. Listening for God in Torah and Creation approaches issues including creation and wonder; emotional struggles; illness and suffering; searching for meaning; and identity and community.
7.30pm. £5. Edinburgh Jewish Literary Society, EH16 5AB. www.scojec.org
Sunday 26 January
The Lost Café Schindler
Meriel Schindler presents her debut book, which addresses her mixed feelings towards her father Kurt. During his lifetime, he made extravagant claims about their heritage, including being related to Franz Kafka, Oskar Schindler and Hitler’s doctor. Named for the family business, Café Schindler, which was the social hub of Austrian Jews before the Holocaust, The Lost Café Schindler weaves together memoir, family history and little-known stories of the Jews in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
7.30pm. £5. Edinburgh Jewish Literary Society, EH16 5AB. www.scojec.org
Sunday 9 March
The 43 Group and their Fight Against Britain’s Fascists (1946-50)
In the wake of World War II, antisemitism was still rife. Jeffrey Hamm’s British League of Ex-Servicemen were parading the streets and a new fascist party, the Union Movement, was forming under Oswald Mosley. The 43 Group, set up by Jewish veterans who’d just returned from the war, confronted them head on in the streets, often violently. They fought for a decade until finally, in 1950, they deemed the threat over and voluntarily disbanded. Historian Daniel Sonabend discusses the militant Jewish organisation, as detailed in his book We Fight Fascists: The 43 Group and Their Forgotten Battle for Post-War Britain.
7.30pm. £5. Edinburgh Jewish Literary Society, EH16 5AB. www.scojec.org
BOOKS AND POETRY
WALKS
Available indefinitely
Garnethill Refugee Trail
A self-guided walking tour that traces the lives of the hundreds of Jewish refugees who arrived in Scotland before World War II. Created by the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre, this tour includes sites such as Scotland’s oldest synagogue and ‘the house on the hill’, where refugees would meet alongside native Glaswegians to discuss politics and culture. The trail is free and available to download or from the SJHC in person. Read more about the Garnethill Refugee Trail in the Spring issue of JR.
FREE. www.sjhc.org.uk