SCOTLAND
Thursday 7 November
Somewhere Else
Rona Roshkin was five years old when she survived a pogrom that claimed her family’s lives. She was left with nothing but a suitcase of clothes and her father’s violin, an object that became a symbol of her lost heritage and identity. Follow her life in a rapidly changing world in Jenni Daiches’ novel, which the author will discuss here.
5.30pm. Price TBC. New College, Mound Place, EH1 2LX. www.scojec.org
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
BOOKS AND POETRY
Sunday 10 November
The Impact of War on Scottish Jewish Families
A presentation of pieces from the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre to mark Armistice Day. Learn about how both world wars affected families such as the Nathans, where three brothers, an uncle and 12 cousins all served at the same time during World War I, and see the letters Scottish Jewish soldiers sent home during World War II.
2pm. FREE. Garnethill Synagogue, G3 6UA. www.trybooking.com/uk/DNIQ
Thursday 14 November
Food for the Soul
Rabbi Yonatan Raziel will discuss how Kabbalah, an ancient Jewish mystical interpretation of the Torah, describes how the process of eating can be an all-encompassing act of spirituality.
7pm. FREE. Location provided upon booking. www.jcc.scot
TALKS
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