Sharing Jewish Heritage in Leicester

Foundation Chief Executive Michael Mail recently visited Leicester Synagogue, built in 1897, to learn about the recently launched National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project based there.

The project is entitled ‘Sharing Jewish Heritage in Leicester’ and this led to the creation of a heritage and educational centre that has opened the historic building to schools, civil society groups and the general public. The funding also enabled the synagogue to carry out a level of refurbishment, creating a new entrance and providing disability access. There are new displays including a timeline presenting the history of the Jewish community, and regular events are being held.

Michael was hosted by Centre Manager Sam Bodily who showed him around the building and explained some of the educational methods that they have developed for the school visits.

Michael was keen to understand what lessons could be learnt for the other projects in which the Foundation is involved, especially the Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue/Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre project.