B’nai B’rith UK announces an exciting line up of events as part of this year’s European Days of Jewish Culture and Heritage (EDJCH). Taking place on 5th September and 12th – 15th September, this year B’nai B’rith UK is inviting people to celebrate Art in Judaism at venues and events across the UK. With over 70 events taking place, this year’s European Days of Culture and Heritage promise to interest and inspire.

Now in its 11th year, EDJCH regularly attracts over 15,000 people with over 200,000 participants taking part in similar events hosted by 27 European countries. This year, more organisations are participating than ever before, celebrating the rich history and cultural diversity of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom. Discover historic Synagogues, heritage walks, exhibitions, guided tours, lectures and music at participating events.

Highlights in London this year include:

London Metropolitan Archives, EC1

‘Simcha!’ – A day-long event on 5th September will explore theatre, music & arts in London’s Jewish communities

London Jewish Cultural Centre, NW11

“Special educational and cultural events will be held at the London Jewish Cultural Centre, including a concert on 5th September, ‘From Shtetl to Juderia’ with the London Jewish Male Choir.”

Jewish Museum, Camden, NW1

The Jewish Museum is holding a major exhibition ‘Illumination’ at the newly redeveloped museum in Camden, showcasing priceless early Hebrew illuminated books on loan from the Vatican and major British Collections.

Ben Uri Gallery, NW8

Controversial exhibition ‘Cross Purposes – Shock and Contemplation in Images of the Crucifixion’ featuring newly discovered work by Chagall, on display throughout EDJCH.

Wiener Library, W1W

A unique permanent collection of archive material on the Holocaust, is exhibited with a special talk and tour on 14th September by the Library’s archivist.

Highlights outside London this year include:

British Association for Jewish Studies Annual Conference, Southampton

Taking place at the University of Southampton, this conference from 5th-7th September will explore the image and prohibition of the image in Judaism, looking at different aspects of acceptance and rejection of images in Jewish thought and practice from the Bible to the modern world, with eminent lecturers.

Higher Crumpsall and Higher Broughton Hebrew Congregation, Manchester

Join a guided tour with Dr Sharman Kadish, Director of Jewish Heritage UK on 12th September at this historic synagogue.

Montefiore Synagogue and Mausoleum in Ramsgate

On 12th September, explore this grade II* listed Regency Synagogue by the first Jewish architect David Mocatta and visit the nearby historic Mausoleum of Sir Moses Montefiore.

Birmingham Progressive Synagogue

With architect and designer both Jewish, the recently rebuilt synagogue also features new scroll mantles. Join a tour on 12th September and enjoy the art exhibition followed by a lecture on Jewish Art by Professor Melissa Raphael, Professor of Jewish Theology at the University of Gloucestershire.

For further information about the exciting programme of events, please visit the Jewish Heritage website jewisheritage.org.