The Jewish Living Experience Exhibition came to Chelmsford, Essex, for the first time – with a launch event attended by senior civic and faith leaders.
The new President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, Phil Rosenberg, and Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism, Rabbi Charley Baginsky, both spoke at the opening of the exhibition at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) – pictured top right.
They were joined by Cllr Jill Reeves (Chair of Essex County Council), Sarah Lane Cawte (Chair of Essex SACRE), Robin Harbord (School Effectiveness Partner at Essex County Council), Alex Crawford (ARU Associate Chaplain), and Sheila Gewolb and Anna Silver of the Board of Deputies.
Hanan Charles of East London and Essex Liberal Synagogue, Ben Maddison of Essex SACRE and Cllr Adrian Smith of Tendring District Council were instrumental in bringing the exhibition to Chelmsford – supported by Stan Keller of Chelmsford Jewish Community and Simon Rothstein, of the EJN and Head of Communications for Progressive Judaism.
The Jewish Living Experience Exhibition is a mobile travelling exhibition created by the Board of Deputies and aimed at school groups. It is designed to educate non-Jews about the Jewish way of life and enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith.
Designed by education experts, the exhibition supports the teaching of Judaism.
It covers areas including the Jewish calendar and festivals, lifecycle events, Shabbat and diversity within the community both ideologically and geographically – giving school pupils the chance to get hands on with Jewish ceremonial and ritual items, including blowing the shofar and spinning the dreidel.
Phil Rosenberg, who was elected as Board of Deputies President earlier this year, said: “It was a pleasure to launch our Jewish Living Experience Exhibition in Chelmsford. This is such an important part of what we do, as education and speaking to young people is a vital means of building bridges and tackling antisemitism. Our belief is that when there is knowledge and understanding… there is also friendship.”
Rabbi Charley Baginsky recited the traditional Jewish Shehecheyanu blessing, which is said on moments of firsts.
She added: “This is a vital part of helping young people understand about Judaism and the different ways people express their Jewish faith.
“At the moment it is really difficult to do interfaith work, and talk about what it means to be a person of faith. Exhibitions such as this begin to give us the tools to have those conversations with each other, understand each other and to know that what is happening in your neighbour’s house is actually very similar to what is happening in your own.”
The launch was attended by people from Chelmsford’s many faith communities, including Christian, Muslim and Hindu members of Essex SACRE and officers from Essex Police.
Stan Keller helped to found the Chelmsford Jewish Community (CJC) 50 years ago and is its current Chair.
He said: “It was my privilege to welcome everyone to Chelmsford, especially in the year that the CJC is marking our 50th anniversary.
“While we are small in our numbers, our community is very active locally and are delighted to be supporting this wonderful exhibition, which brings a whole new dimension to sharing and understanding.”
The Jewish Living Exhibition Experience also hosted a teacher training session – to answer educator’s questions and improve their teaching of Judaism – and a visit from the Mayor of Chelmsford Cllr Janette Potter and Mayoress Jackie Galley.
