London Jewish Cultural Centre

London Jewish Cultural Centre
Type Jewish educational charity
Location
Key people
 Raymond Simonson, Chief Executive
Website www.ljcc.org.uk

The London Jewish Cultural Centre (LJCC; formerly the Spiro Institute) is a charitable organisation that has been based since 2005 at Ivy House, the former home of prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, in North End Road, Golders Green, London.[1] It provides an educational programme of courses, events and leisure activities.[2]

LJCC's courses include, in partnership with the University of Southampton, a one-year MA in Jewish History and Culture.[3]

In November 2014 it was announced that the London Jewish Cultural Centre is to merge with JW3, the Jewish Community Centre London. The combined organisation will be housed at JW3.[4] AS of April 2015 the music and dance programme previously held at Ivy House is now taking place at JW3.[5] Ivy House remains open until July 2015 for language courses and exhibitions.[6]

History

The LJCC was previously known as the Spiro Institute. The Spiro Institute was created by Robin Spiro and his wife Nitza,[7][8] who was its executive director from 1983 to 1998.

Organisation

Louise Jacobs succeeded Trudy Gold as Chief Executive in 2011[9] and remained so until 31 January 2015, when she stepped down to be succeeded by Raymond Simonson, Chief Executive of JW3. Michael Marx is Chairman.[2]

Holocaust education

LJCC's Holocaust and Anti-Racism Education Department seeks to fight prejudice and bigotry through education and to emphasise the relevance of the Holocaust for humanity as a whole. It runs educational programmes in the UK, and – under the auspices of the International Task Force for Holocaust Education – in Eastern Europe and in China. The Department also advises many organisations, including the BBC, on issues related to the Holocaust and racism.[10]

In January 2011, with the backing of Michael Gove, who was then Secretary of State for Education, the LJCC launched The Holocaust Explained, an education website for secondary school children.[11][12]

Art

The Centre holds 97 paintings by the artist Yonia Fain (born 1913).[13]

References

  1. ↑ Dysch, Marcus (18 September 2014). "Two cultural institutions with very different stories". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Exploring, Learning, Connecting at the London Jewish Cultural Centre". Background. London Jewish Cultural Centre. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  3. ↑ "V330 MA Jewish History and Culture (1 yrs)". University of Southampton. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  4. ↑ Pollard, Stephen (17 September 2014). "JW3 and LJCC set to unite in historic merger". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
  5. ↑ "April – July programme". Ivy House Music & Dance. JW3. April 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  6. ↑ "Home". London Jewish Cultural Centre. 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2015.
  7. ↑ "JW3 presents the inaugural annual Spiro lecture". Events. JW3. January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  8. ↑ Rubinstein, William D; Jolles, Michael; Rubinstein, Hilary L. (editors) (2011). "Spiro, Robin Myer". The Palgrave Dictionary of Anglo-Jewish History. Palgrave Macmillan. p. 948. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  9. ↑ Joseph, Anne (8 September 2011). "LJCC chief cooks up a cultural alternative". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  10. ↑ "Introduction: Holocaust and Anti-Racism Department". Holocaust and Anti-Racism. London Jewish Cultural Centre. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  11. ↑ Elgot, Jessica (27 January 2011). "Michael Gove backs Holocaust study aid for schools". The Jewish Chronicle. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  12. ↑ "UK Envoy for post-Holocaust issues launches 'The Holocaust Explained' website". Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her Majesty's Government. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  13. ↑ "London Jewish Cultural Centre". Your paintings: Uncovering the nation's art collection. BBC. Retrieved 6 January 2014.

External links