Glasgow’s West End Project celebrated another successful event, as 27 Jewish adults, friends and partners from across Scotland’s Central Belt – including members of Glasgow Reform Synagogue and Sukkat Shalom (Edinburgh’s Liberal Jewish Community) – came together for an evening of socialising, music, wine and food.
After a Havdalah to mark the end of Shabbat, attendees took part in an exploration of the history of cheese in Jewish culture and ritual.
Paul Ginsberg and Student Rabbi Dr Jennifer Verson
One participant wrote afterwards: “I haven’t experienced anything like this before.”
Another said: “I have made genuine friendships from these events. One of the people I met at the first West End Project event is now someone I regularly meet to chat and celebrate Jewish festivals with. We met up for Chanukah to light candles and eat latkes and donuts – I would never have met them if I hadn’t attended!”
Convenor Paul Ginsberg believes this feedback highlights a real opportunity for growth – as people hear about the project (which is aimed at younger Jewish adults but open to everyone) and want to connect and explore their Judaism outside of synagogue settings.
He said: “For this event, as well as the largest turnout ever, we had someone travel four hours just to be with us. Many came through word-of-mouth – with some staying overnight in hotels. People came from Edinburgh, Dundee and the Borders. There’s clearly a gap in the market beyond what I imagined – and it gives both Project Facilitator Student Rabbi Dr Jennifer Verson and me great pleasure to create this space.”
Sarita Robinson, Director of Community Partnership for The Movement for Progressive Judaism, added: “We are delighted to be a founding backer of Glasgow’s West End Project. Paul’s and Student Rabbi Jennifer’s vision is clearly resonating – with many returnees, word-of-mouth recommendations and an overwhelmingly positive response – and we look forward to seeing it grow!”
Proudly supported by the Movement for Progressive Judaism and the Netherlee and Clarkston (Orthodox) Charitable Trust, the West End Project is now seeking core donors to make it a permanent fixture on the Glasgow scene. You can find more details and a mailing list sign-up at westendproject.org.uk.