An appeal for participants in a research project on suburban Jewry

Rabbi Miri Lawrence-Cohen is currently researching for a PhD, with Queen Mary University of London and The Geffrye Museum of the Home, examining Judaism in the suburban home. Her focus is on East End Jews who moved into the London suburbs after the Second World War as well as their children who grew up in the suburbs. A large part of the research will comprise oral history interviews and discussion groups, exploring the changes involved in the move from the East End into the suburbs and especially whether these changes affected Jewish observance at home.

Rabbi Miri is interested in Jewish celebrations and practices in the home and how Jewish organisations, kosher shops and schools were established to meet the needs of the Jewish community in the suburbs. She is interested in all levels of observance and affiliation, including Reform Judaism in the post-war years (1945-1979).

Her geographical focus is on three areas in London – North-west, North-East and South London (Streatham, Kingston, Richmond, Wimbledon). If you or your family moved from the East End after the Second World War, or you grew up in these suburbs, and would like to take part in a discussion group and/or individual interview please contact Rabbi Miri at m.p.lawrence@qmul.ac.uk.