Kabbalah in Modern Literature
Kabbalah began modestly as an esoteric lore among a Jewish elite in 12th century Provence. By the end of the 15th century, with the emergence of the Christian Kabbalah in Italy, it had acquired an audience in European intellectual circles. Gershom Scholem, widely regarded as the founder of modern academic study of the Kabbalah, influenced […]
Jewish Flavours of Italy
Growing up in Rome, Silvia Nacamulli had the privilege of observing three generations of fine Italian Jewish cooks within her own family. Now the La Cucina di Silvia founder, cook and food writer takes us on a culinary journey through her homeland, combining over 100 kosher recipes for Italian-Jewish dishes with family stories, stunning photography and practical […]
Adventures in Exile: Literary Fiction
Novels, short stories, literary criticism, essays…two writers from either side of the Atlantic, both skilled in these disciplines, join us to discuss their careers and latest books. The Three Graces, Amanda Craig’s 10th novel (‘a brilliant piece of storytelling’ Andrew O’Hagan), follows a trio of old friends whose Tuscany retirement proves far from quiet as […]
Pinchas Rutenberg: An Unreasonable Man
Pinchas Rutenberg electrified Palestine in more ways than one. A Russian revolutionary who plotted the murder of Lenin and Trotsky, he set up a hydro-electric plant on the Jordan River, blustering past determined opposition, before founding Palestine Airways. As leader of the Jewish population of Palestine he was heavily involved in negotiations with the British […]
The State of Desire
In recent years Israeli state policies have attempted to dissuade Orthodox Jews from creating large families, an objective that flies in the face of their traditional practices. As the state’s desire to cultivate a high-income, tech-centred nation comes into greater conflict with common Orthodox familial practices, Jewish couples are finding it increasingly difficult to fulfil […]
Horror Movies in Israel
It’s one of the most popular – and profitable – genres in film. But before 2010, there were no Israeli horror films. Then over the last decade distinctly Israeli serial killers, zombies, vampires and ghosts invaded screens amid a blossoming of young local filmmakers. Olga Gershenson follows her previous books on Russian theatre in Israel […]
Fervour
The Rosenthals are not like other families… Called, ‘a fearless look into the dark heart of family politics from a naturally gifted storyteller’ by Jonathan Coe, debut author Toby Lloyd discusses his chilling and unforgettable story of a close-knit Jewish family in London pushed to the brink when they suspect their daughter is a witch. […]
Adi Toch: Place to Place
A richly illustrated limited edition book, Place to Place takes its name from acclaimed artist metalsmith Adi Toch’s golden vessel, commissioned for the Gilbert Collection at the V&A in response to the restitution of an Anatolian gold ewer. As Edmund de Waal puts it in his foreword, “in creating this work she is acting as […]
Good for a Single Journey
Based on a true story of love, loss, despair and hope, Good for a Single Journey spans four generations, weaving one family’s experiences into the fabric of Jewish 20th-century history. From her great-grandparents at the end of WWI to her own present as an educator, Helen Joyce draws on reality for this turbulent and mesmerizing […]
Emerging Writers Programme
Learn about our mentoring and support scheme in this short film featuring mentors and participants in the Genesis JLF Emerging Writers Programme.
Cinema King
From playing the violin alongside silent movies to owning a chain of cinemas as part of his entertainment empire, Sam King went on a remarkable journey. His life of wealth and glamour as partner in Shipman and King cinemas was a far cry from his beginnings in an impoverished Jewish family escaping Russian pogroms to […]
October 7 & the Left; Hadley Freeman in conversation with Tanya Gold
To mark Jewish Quarterly‘s publication of Blindness: October 7 and the Left by Hadley Freeman, we are delighted that the she joins us for a special free online event on Thursday in conversation with Tanya Gold. With bitter clarity Hadley outlines the equivocations, contortions and hypocrisy displayed by elements of the left, including many who […]