The UK's first Jewish Heritage Centre for Children opened its doors to the public this weekend. The Leeds centre has been made possible by a £275,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant and will focus on the fascinating heritage of the Jewish.
Created as an extension of the Lubavitch Centre, the Jewish Heritage Centre for Children is a unique project which aims to teach children from different backgrounds about how Jewish traditions, heritage and culture have survived through the ages until the present day.
Key attractions and education resources in the new building include a recreated 19th century Eastern European farm village where Jewish festivals are brought to life in a fun, "hands on" way, as well as a children's kosher supermarket and kids' kosher kitchen. Other displays include a series of mini films depicting Jewish traditions, food and festivals in which children from the local Brodetsky Primary School took part.
“We've consulted with schools, faith groups, after school clubs and women's groups and the response has been very enthusiastic,” says Ruth Bell, project co-ordinator.
"We already have quite a few bookings, and are looking forward to many more. The centre is educational on many levels and although it's primarily for children, there is something of interest for everyone."
Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Yorkshire and the Humber, said: "This is a remarkable project delivered by a voluntary group exploring and offering educational resources on the heritage that is important to them. What is really special about it however, and the reason HLF has supported the venture, is the fantastic permanent resource that now exists in the UK for children and people of all ages and backgrounds who want to learn more about the heritage of Judaism."
The centre, run by Bnos Chabad - the Jewish voluntary organisation behind the project and based at the Lubavitch Centre in Leeds - will utilise arts & crafts, cookery, music and drama to bring Judaism and its heritage to life for the general public. Open to the public on Sundays from 12noon until 4pm it will also be available for group bookings from Mondays to Thursdays.
Among some of the volunteers who have helped with the project to date, Susy, who helped with the art-work, said: "I am incredibly impressed with the centre - it is an amazing teaching facility and an incredible insight into our past." And Yanina, mother of 4 year old Josh, said,"You feel when walking into the village that you are stepping right back into the past. It looks so real and authentic and Josh doesn't want to leave.”