London and Jews: A History Intertwined London town is famous for its stunning architecture, diverse food culture, and a highly praised theater scene. In addition to all of these attractive features London hosts the largest Jewish community in the country. Since the 11th century Jews have called this metropolis home. Despite a few ups and downs the community has managed to become one of the most prosperous and respected in the world.  From Acceptance, Rejection, and Resettlement: Jewish History in England While the exact date of arrival of Jews to England is debated historians can all agree that the first written mention of Jews was in 1066. After the Saxon conquest of England Jews from Rouen made their way to London attracted by the economic opportunities. With all this good fortune it is no surprise that London also had a flourishing Jewish intellectual life. This was noticed by Jewish Torah scholars from across Europe and attracted visitors such as the famous Abraham Ibn Ezra, who authored the Iggeret HaShabbat.  [caption id="attachment_39829" align="alignnone" width="1599"] The Jewish quarter in East London[/caption] Antisemitism was still rampant in the country and throughout the Medieval period the Jewish quarter was set ablaze numerous times. Jews were also forbidden from owning land. This pushed them into professions such as tradesmen. Most other Jews worked as moneylenders, a profession forbidden to Christians. This made Jews very valuable to the upper classes.  In 1290 the community was expelled from the country. The return of Jews to England finally came in 1632 when persecuted Jews fleeing from Spain and Portugal settled in the country. Around 1690 Ashkenazim from Amsterdam and Germany followed their pioneering Sephardi cousins and established their own congregation.  [caption id="attachment_39832" align="alignnone" width="1200"] The West London Synagogue, the oldest reform synagogue in Great Britain[/caption] The Salvation of London Jewry Then in the 19th century Jews earned their emancipation. They were allowed to move outside the quarter and establish legitimate retail businesses, something they had been barred from for centuries. In addition to this the first Jewish sheriff was elected and in 1858 Jews became represented in English Parliament. The Jewish population also grew substantially during this period with the arrival of Russian Jewry. This raised the overall community numbers from 47,000 to well over 100,000 individuals. From this point the discrimination against the community was less apparent. Then came the historic event that would change the whole of European Jewry forever. In 1939 Germany invaded Poland. Not long after Britain declared war on Germany. This action saved countless British Jews from mass murder, the remainder of European Jewry was not so fortunate. Today British Jewry continues to increase and make a name for itself on the world stage. Some of the most famous Jewish names in the world hail from London. These include the late Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, one of the most respected Torah scholars and Jewish community leaders in history. Other notable names include Vidal Sassoon, the hair tycoon and celebrity stylist. In addition, these British Jews excel in the world of film and music. Names such as Amy Winehouse and Sacha Baron Cohen are sure to ring a few bells.     [caption id="attachment_39833" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | Credit: cooperniall from England, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] From One Neighborhood to the Next: London’s Jewish Quarters and Sites The first mention of a Jewish quarter in London dates to the Terrier of Saint Paul’s published in 1128. Under Milk Street archaeologists discovered a 13th century mikveh. During the late 19th century and first half of the 20th century London's Jewish Quarter was divided. Jews lived in Whitechapel, Spitalfields, and Mile End Old Town districts. Some also lived in the parish of St. George-in-the-East. Eventually the community migrated to London’s East End. There are bits and pieces of Jewish culture and history in every aspect of the city.   The Bevis Marks Synagogue stands as one of Europe’s oldest active synagogues. During the 17th century waves of Jewish Sephardi immigrants flocked to England. In 1701 the community built one of the largest and most extravagant synagogues in all Europe. Wooden pews and chandeliers give the space a very ethereal aura.  [caption id="attachment_39834" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Bevis Marks Synagogue | Credit: Edwardx, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] When Hitler’s nazi party was rising to power many Jewish families saw their destruction coming and immigrated to England. Sigmund Freud moved his family from Vienna to London in 1938, just escaping the claws of the Nazis. London would be where Freud developed the study of psychoanalysis. You can visit his home in London at The Freud Museum which houses his books, art, and even the famous reclining couch.  London is one European city where Jewish intellectual life and creativity could flourish. It is no surprise then that one of the oldest and most established Jewish art galleries in the world is in London. The Ben Uri Gallery opened at the turn of the century as a premier gallery for artists of Jewish descent from around the world. In its nearly 120 year history the gallery has hosted a number of famous Jewish artists including Chagall and Epstein.  [caption id="attachment_39836" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Freud Museum London | Credit: Matt Brown from London, England, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons[/caption] Upwards and Onwards: The Continued Thrival of London Jews  There seems to be no end in sight for the potential of English Jewry. The community serves as a testament to the resilience of world Jewry. They have been knocked down over the years but have always managed to come back stronger than ever. Today Jewish history and culture is preserved and celebrated attracting visitors and immigrants from across the Jewish diaspora.   

Nestled in the heart of Alsace, in the Northern Vosges, our Hotel**** & Restaurant is located in a bucolic setting at the foot of the Haut Barr hiking trails and just a stone's throw from Saverne town centre. Enjoy a stay in the heart of nature in one of our 12 charming rooms and discover a rich and modern local cuisine while tasting a glass of wine from our list of over 250 references. And don't forget our wellness area where you can relax with a sauna, massage, body or facial treatment... Completely renovated, our hotel and restaurant blend patinated oak wood, stone and natural noble materials that give La Garenne its cachet! Respect for nature is at the heart of our concerns, which is why we favour seasonal products, short circuits, recycled and/or recyclable products both in the hotel and in our restaurant.

Located in the pretty town of Saverne (67), 40 km north west of Strasbourg, at the foot of the Vosges and in the heart of historical and cultural Alsace, the Hotel *** Chez Jean offers 40 charming rooms. Christelle and Fabrice VEIT-HARTER are happy to welcome you Chez Jean, in the purest Alsatian tradition. The style of our rooms breathes Alsace, and each of them offers its special touch, and these little details that will make your stay very pleasant. With its big "Jean" room and its "S'Rosestiebel" Winstub, our restaurant likes to combine all the time great cuisine and high Alsatian tradition, to treat your taste buds and make you spend a delicious and very convivial moment.

Saverne, a tourist city at the gates of Alsace, is located two hours from Paris by TGV, near the A4 motorway, 40 minutes from Strasbourg by road and 35 km from Strasbourg-Entzheim airport. The hotel is in the middle of Saverne, 150 m from the TGV station, and is the ideal location for businessmen and tourists where you will be greeted with professionalism and friendliness. The hotel has 28 recently renovated rooms in a modern style and striking colors. The city of Saverne is very closed to the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges, which combines culture, nature and many activities. Go back in time by visiting the chateau Rohan which has museums and a cultural center.

The dining room at the Katz tavern is typically Alsatian. With its low wooden ceiling dating from the 16th century and its regional decoration, every detail has been meticulously worked. The tables are decorated in the purest tradition with Kelsch toppings. In summer, our large flowered terrace can accommodate up to 50 people. Take advantage of the sun's rays as well as the bustle of the city. In winter, a small chalet is installed in this space. In a comfortable and heated environment, get together with family or friends (up to 10 people maximum) in a friendly atmosphere.

Located in the pretty town of Saverne (67), 40 km north west of Strasbourg, at the foot of the Vosges and in the heart of historical and cultural Alsace, the Hotel *** Chez Jean offers 40 charming rooms. Christelle and Fabrice VEIT-HARTER are happy to welcome you Chez Jean, in the purest Alsatian tradition. The style of our rooms breathes Alsace, and each of them offers its special touch, and these little details that will make your stay very pleasant. With its big "Jean" room and its "S'Rosestiebel" Winstub, our restaurant likes to combine all the time great cuisine and high Alsatian tradition, to treat your taste buds and make you spend a delicious and very convivial moment.

In this charming town, close to Lorraine, was Louis-René de Rohan a new family spent his castle build. Decorated with stately and seemingly boundless luxury wearing the sandstone castle (fr. Château des Rohan) at 140 m with its long front garden to the unique cityscape Savernes. Some might argue that he perceives the "magic atmosphere" of the city: According to legend, the African water saver is to be sanctified and have healing powers. But the many tangible treasures of the city, make a visit to the city recommended. The town is characterized by many old half-timbered houses, of which especially the Maison Katz with its delicate carvings from the 17th century is to be called, in which you can also dine with a clear conscience and cost a good drop. Particularly beautiful is the Rose Garden (fr. Roseraie) in the western city. This was created in 1900 and is home to about 450 different kinds of roses, which can be seen between mid-June to mid-September. Just 5 km outside the city walls stands the ruins of the mighty castle Haut-Barr Castle on the Mountain of Haut-Barr about Alsace. The fantastic view owes ruin the nickname "eye of Alsace". The castle was built around 1170 and severely damaged during the 30 Years War, after a renewed building in the 18th century, the castle fell into ruin but. In the connected timber-frame building is a nice restaurant, where you can fortify yourself after visiting.

In 1654, fearing oppression by the Portuguese who had recently conquered the Dutch settlement of Recife, Brazil, Jews living there set off for the Netherlands. However, rather than arriving safely in Amsterdam, one of the 16 ships carrying them was blown off course and robbed by pirates. The 23 survivors were picked up by a French ship heading to Canada and left off in New Amsterdam, as New York was then known. In 1954, to mark the 300th anniversary of the arrival of Jews in North America, observations were held in many cities. Rabbi Ferdinand M. Isserman of Temple Israel formed a St. Louis committee to erect a suitable monument in Forest Park. The resulting sculpture was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1956. Created by Danish-born Carl C. Mose, head of the Sculpture Department at Washington University, the monument features a flagpole with a wave-like limestone base. Depicted on the base are Biblical quotations relating to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s famous “Four Freedoms”: freedom from tyranny; of religion; from fear and war; and from want. Among other figures, a ship, symbolic of that which bore the refugees to New Amsterdam, is also represented. In 1989, renovation of the monument was undertaken at the request of Forest Park Forever. Civic leader Howard Baer, then 87 and the sole living member of the original 1954 committee, chaired the fundraising effort and engaged Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum as architects for the project. The sculpture was raised up on a pedestal of nine steps and lighting, benches and sidewalks were added to Lopata Plaza surrounding the monument — named in honor of major contributors Lucy and Stanley Lopata. Ted and Nancy Koplar donated the fountains on the west side of the monument

The St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum uses the history and lessons of the Holocaust to reject hatred, promote understanding, and inspire change. You can learn about the Holocaust from those who lived it by reading inspirational stories from survivors who immigrated to St. Louis. We hope that our exhibits and programs, plus personal accounts of survivors, deepen understanding of the Holocaust.

The National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. NMAJH will be the preeminent national museum creatively teaching, interpreting, and inspiring dialogue about the American Jewish experience in the context of American history. The Museum will be a force fueling the American spirit of courage and imagination, aspiration and hard work, leadership and service, through active engagement with the stories of American Jewish life and tradition. Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. NMAJH was originally founded by the members of historic Congregation Mikveh Israel, which was established in 1740 and known as the “Synagogue of the American Revolution”. The Museum has long been a vital component in the cultural life of Philadelphia. During the course of its history, NMAJH has attracted a broad regional audience to its public programs, while exploring American Jewish identity through lectures, panel discussions, authors’ talks, films, children’s activities, theater, and music. The Museum has displayed more than a hundred exhibitions in its first three decades-plus of existence. As the repository of the largest collection of Jewish Americana in the world, with more than 30,000 objects, NMAJH has developed extensive institutional experience in preservation, conservation and collections management supporting the fulfillment of its mission to preserve the material culture of American Jews.

Beging in Plaça de Sant Feliu, with the guided tour through the Jewish neighborhood of Girona, one of the best-preserved in Europe. This district is located in the heart of the city and is full of ancient remains from its Roman and Medieval past. Known locally as “the Call”, this area was home to 1,000 inhabitants during the Middle Ages, making it one of the most important Jewish communities in Spain's history. As you explore the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter — hometown of Nahmanides, the Medieval Kabbalistic philosopher, physician and Sephardic rabbi — you'll visit the spots where the city's 3 synagogues were located. During the guided tour you will find out all about the customs and traditions of the Jewish people who lived here, as well as the tools that they used, and the design of their houses. You'll also visit the Museum of Jewish History to learn about their way of life. Your guide will then lead you around the labyrinthine streets while explaining the history of the expulsion of the Jews in 1492, an act that ended 600 years of coexistence. After 3 hours exploring the Call, your tour will come to an end, and you'll have newfound knowledge of the profound influence that the Jewish community left in Girona.

Want an experience you can't get with a large group? Come join me for unique explorations of Azerbaijani Jewish history. I am a researcher of Azerbaijani Jewish history and have compiled the most extensive database of Jewish historical locations in Azerbaijan to-date. I have 3 years of guiding experience in Azerbaijan + multiple years of guiding experience in the USA, Israel, Jordan, and Europe. It is my pleasure and honor to get to share these rich stories and locales with people wanting to experience them in Baku, Quba, and all across Azerbaijan's rich cultural tapestry.