By Alison Turner
Archivist, Liberal Judaism

I learnt of this NHS Oral History Project when I attended NHS Voices of Covid-19 In Conversation with Faith and Covid-19.

There were speakers from various faiths, which stimulated a lively discussion. We were asked whether our faith had changed during the pandemic.

I answered that my faith was unaltered but my religious practice was very different. I was then invited to be interviewed for the oral history. I protested that I had said almost nothing about the NHS or health, and was told they take a very broad view of health and were very keen to capture how lives have changed.

They are interviewing NHS staff, patients and carers. I am aware that all our communities have carers of various sorts, probably all volunteers, and I am sure that they have had to operate differently during the pandemic. Bereavement Support Groups and pastoral care in general have also been severely affected.

I encourage people to preserve their stories for future generations and to ensure that Liberal Jewish voices are heard. The interview I had was entirely by telephone from Manchester, with questions drawn up in conjunction with the Jewish community there.

If you wish to get involved, please see the details in the flyer above.