Julia Hofland and Willemieke Vink, students from Utrecht Holland, present a unique ethnography of a Jewish community within Islington, London. The study explores the following research question: How does the interaction of Jewish people with their heritage shape their experience of belonging in the context of the Jewish community of Chabad Islington, London?
Julia and Willemieke spent over three months in Islington, joining events and inteviewing the commuity for thier Anthropolgy paper.
The title of this research article, ‘Balancing Shamor and Zachor’, touches on the core practices and character of the community of Chabad Islington. In Hebrew, Shamor means protection, and Zachor means remembrance. We interpret these terms broadly to illustrate how individuals in the Jewish community strive to preserve, protect and remember traditions. Chabad provides a space where people can engage with and belong within the Jewish community and connect with their Jewish roots and heritage. The place can be viewed as a provider and conserver of tangible and intangible heritage by allowing people to engage with Jewish philosophy, songs, food and customs.
The paper considers what does heritage look like and which mediums people use in order to belong to a community, in particular living in an urban and busy city like London:
- How participants commemorate the past to give meaning to the present
- Reinterpret historical narratives
- Being connected despite differences
- Longing for home and safety
- Being part of something bigger
- Celebrating Shabbat together
The study includes heartwarming case studies and interviews.
Julia and Willemieke observe how people freely interacted with them and abundantly reflected on their perspectives and identity positions. 'We feel honoured to have had the opportunity to ask questions and experience being part of a Jewish community for a few months, characterised by warmth and openness to us as researchers. In our endeavour to respect the community's boundaries, we were amazed to observe how our presence and interest encouraged the community when they may feel unheard or unseen.'
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