Celebrating Jewish Culture Month
This month marks the first ever UK Jewish Culture Month, created to celebrate the rich history of Jewish culture and creativity in our country.
Here at Leopard Co we have been exploring why this cultural celebration matters, and how Jewish culture has shaped the marketing strategies we deliver for our clients every day.
Why does this matter?
It’s impossible to escape the fact that we are living in times of opposition and hatred. Wars are being started across the globe and the effects of that are felt here on our streets. Jewish Culture Month asks us to stop in our tracks and counteract the negativity with a reminder of just how deep-rooted and beautiful British Jewish culture is. It is here to spread the word about the positive influences Jewish culture has had on the way we live, from art, music, food, history and of course - marketing. Understanding different cultures and experiences helps to create a deeper understanding between people. So let’s get stuck in!
Why does this matter?
It’s impossible to escape the fact that we are living in times of opposition and hatred. Wars are being started across the globe and the effects of that are felt here on our streets.
Jewish Culture Month asks us to stop in our tracks and counteract the negativity with a reminder of just how deep-rooted and beautiful British Jewish culture is. It is here to spread the word about the positive influences Jewish culture has had on the way we live, from art, music, food, history and of course - marketing.
Understanding different cultures and experiences helps to create a deeper understanding between people. So let’s get stuck in!
How has Jewish creativity has shaped British marketing and culture as we know it today?
You will no doubt have heard of Burson, Edelman, and Fleishman and know them for being three of the biggest PR agencies in the world. But what you might not know is that they were all founded by Jewish entrepreneurs, and many PR teams today continue to be led by brilliantly creative Jewish minds!
Have you ever tried to ‘schmooze’ someone? British vernacular has absorbed lots of Yiddish terms just like this one which are now used every day across the media and in advertising.
The London Jewish Bakers’ Union coined the idea of ‘Fair Trade’ in 1925, creating a sticker to make buyers aware that their bread was made by people working in acceptable working conditions. The ‘Fair Trade’ symbol still proudly exists today as a famous symbol of ethical consumption.
Never underestimate how much Jewish immigration has impacted the food you most love today. Fish and chips and bagels are two meals you might not be able to imagine living without!
Jews in the UK are behind some of our biggest and most loved brands - Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Next, to name just a few.
How can you get involved?
Hopefully you’re feeling excited to learn more and keen to get involved in an event near you. Being based here in the heart of Birmingham, proudly one of the most diverse cities in the UK, we have enjoyed getting involved in Jewish Culture Month and finding out what is going on on our doorstep.
We attended the launch of Olga Swan’s ‘And The Walls Sang’ at the historic Grade II listed Singers Hill Synagogue. The synagogue, which was awarded the title of 'most improved Place of Worship in the West Midlands' by English Heritage, is the backdrop to the new book which celebrates the rise of Birmingham’s Jewish community over three centuries.
Other events taking place in Birmingham include:
Guided Tour of Art of Jewish Interest at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Blessed Hands: Cooking Up a Show With My Turkish Jewish Granny
There are events taking place all over the country and online too. Visit the website to discover more and book your ticket: https://jewishculturemonth.org.uk/
Celebrating culture at Leopard Co
Here at Leopard Co we are proudly inclusive, and passionate about understanding others and learning about different cultures.
It is this passion and curiosity which has driven initiatives such as Open House and Talent Spot. The reason our recruitment process is so transparent is to ensure we’re always working hard to promote career opportunities for all.
Our clients want marketing campaigns and communications outputs that reflect the society they are serving. To do this, we must all work together to understand every corner of society and culture. This starts with education, understanding and tolerance, and attending a Jewish Culture Month event could be your starting point.
L'Chaim!