London’s Jewish Cultural Centre, JW3, Opens Its Doors

A new cultural center in London has opened its doors, and it's something new for the British capitol--a Jewish cultural center, commonly known in the U.S. (where they are far from rare) as a JCC. This has been several years in the planning and the building and the staffing, and was the brainchild of long-time arts patron Vivien Duffield.

Inspired by a visit to New York's JCC, Duffield thought that London should have something similar, launched one of her formidable fundraising drives (the Royal Opera House has been among the previous beneficiaries of her legendary proficiency in this respect) and hey, presto, the formidable edifice was built in East Finchley, a rather lovely London suburb. The price tag was a reported £50 million, or around $80 million.

The London JCC's new boss, Raymond Simonson (who is taking over from the first head, Nick Viner, who oversaw the design, construction and early planning) told Britain's Guardian newspaper that he wanted a wide span of Jewish-themed cultural events. "If you go to the States, Jewish stuff is loud and proud," said Simonson. "But over here it's completely different...[And] I'm fed up with the Jewish conversation just being about Israel or anti-Semitism. I want to talk about Curb Your Enthusiasm instead, and the paintings of Chagall, the music of Amy Winehouse and Woody Allen films."

Actors Kevin Spacey and Zoe Wanamaker as well as National Theatre chief Nicholas Hytner are among early appearances. Launch day, September 29, features classes on the Israeli martial art krav maga, with other events in the first month as varied as classes on Hebrew calligraphy, a conversation between film critic Jason Solomons and the renowned film producer David Puttnam, Jewish folk stories from a guitar and puppet show, a screening of Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris, a project exploring aspects of the creation story through different art forms and a performance from leading jazz singer Ian Shaw. Music offerings seem light as yet, but give it time...

The new JCC, called JW3, shouldn't be confused with a London JCC that does already actually exist, on North End Road. Charming though that is, the new kid on the block has altogether grander ambitions. And it looks like they have the funding to give them a head-start.