Lectures, tours… Glasgow’s small but vibrant Jewish community shares its cultural heritage with great enthusiasm and open-mindedness. Here’s our interview with Harvey Kaplan, Director & Chairman of the Scottish Jewish Archives Centre…
Jguideeurope: Are you participating in the EDJC? If so, which events will be organized in Glasgow?
Harvey Kaplan: The Scottish Jewish Archives Centre (sjac.org.uk ) will potentially be holding 1-2 speaker events and 1-2 open days during the EDJC period, Sept/Oct/Nov, but none has yet been confirmed. Once they are confirmed, we will let you know if they are to be badged as EDJC events.
Our partners, the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre (sjhc.org.uk ), are planning a Garnethill Refugee Trail guided walk on 17 September – more information from Kerry@sjhc.org.uk .
Which place in Glasgow linked to Jewish heritage should be better known?
Both SJAC and SJHC, as well as Garnethill Hebrew Congregation, are based in Scotland’s oldest synagogue. Garnethill Synagogue in Glasgow was opened in 1879 and is one of the top 10 historic synagogues in the British Isles.
Do you feel there’s a tikkun olam willingness in the sharing of Jewish heritage after those last three difficult years?
We continue to experience a widespread interest in Jewish culture, religion and history in Scotland and many of our visitors are from the wider community. We try to project a positive image of the Jewish contribution to Scotland.