 | | Simon at King David School |
Having lived in Birmingham for twenty years, I had my Bris (circumcision), my Bar Mitzvah and celebrated festivals here for quite sometime. More recently, I have felt comfortable to show my Jewishness by wearing a capel (skull cap) in and around the city, rarely suffering abuse – I have easily been allowed to live my Jewish life in Birmingham. We can be Jewish anywhere Being Jewish, we do not need a prayer room, we can be Jewish anywhere. I always recall when my brother was praying in London in a Kilt – Jews pray towards Jerusalem, our capital (that is East) – it was quite funny – a Kilt, a Jew – a Jewish Celt!
 | | Simon - pre Bar Mitzvah |
I personally feel that you can personalise your religion to suit your lifestyle, I pray at home and attend Singers Hill Synagogue in the city centre on Shabat (Jewish Sabbath). In the morning, I put my tephillin on and recite the Shema (daily prayer) and add my own personal prayer. I also, read the Ten Commandments and the Thirteen Principles of Faith. In Synagogue I listen to the weekly portion of the Torah and say the various prayers – we even have one for the Queen! I learn from my Rabbi, Rabbi Tann who is very funny and interesting. I also go to events put on by the Birmingham Jewish Student Society or go out with Jewish friends.
 | | Tephilin worn by Jewish men at prayers |
Sadly 2005, saw the first major attack on a Birmingham Jewish Family, in which a Nazi sign was daubed on their garage door in Moseley. Birmingham Jewish Life The Birmingham Community have a wide range of facilities – including several synagogues – The Birmingham Hebrew Congregation have a synagogue in the city centre, Singers Hill and a satellite synagogue based at the Jewish School in Moseley. There is also Central Synagogue in Edgbaston and The Birmingham Progressive Synagogue in the city centre, near Broad Street. Facilities include a Jewish old age home, library and various student facilities. | 
