Burns Night celebrations in Scotland… and East London


1 February 2024 – 22 Shevat 5784

Progressive Jewish communities put on special events for Burns Night – the annual celebration of the life and work of renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Edinburgh Liberal Jewish Community (ELJC) took part in a cross-communal celebration, hosted by their neighbouring Orthodox Edinburgh Hebrew Congregation.

A hundred guests included members of both communities, Edinburgh Cultural Jewish Centre, Edinburgh Jewish Literary Society and Edinburgh University JSoc.

They enjoyed a fine evening of Scottish/Jewish revelry with a supper of haggis and neeps, a piper and musical entertainment. ELJC’s Rabbi Mark Solomon (pictured left) was in fine voice declaring his love to be like a red, red rose.

At Glasgow Reform Synagogue, a traditional Burns Night included “a piper, ceilidh dancing, singing, traditional speeches, a wee dram to address the haggis, and a braw Tam O’Shanter”.

The annual Scottish celebration also made its way to East London with a dinner at Oaks Lane Reform Synagogue (pictured top).

More than eighty people enjoyed Scottish storytelling, whisky toasts, music, piping and haggis – organised by the shul’s Social and Community Group.

The community’s Rabbi Jordan Helfman was joined by Rabbi Nancy Morris and her Scottish partner Jim, who had flown in for the occasion and were proudly dressed in the Shalom Tartan.

 

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