Museum Evening Talks: Professor Philip Alexander in Conversation

A relaxed, armchair chat with Professor Philip Alexander and Sherry Ashworth. Join us for an engaging conversation with Professor Philip, as he shares his remarkable journey from a non-Jewish Northern Irish Protestant background to becoming a leading figure in Jewish Studies. During this talk Professor Philip will reflect on the challenges he faced in understanding Judaism, his efforts to establish Jewish Studies as a serious academic field in British universities, as well as some of the interesting people he met along the way. He will also explore how the Jewish community in Britain, and particularly Manchester, has changed over the years from his standpoint as an engaged and sympathetic outsider. About the Speaker Philip is a Professor of Jewish Studies at the University of Manchester, a founder of the University of Manchester?s Centre for Jewish Studies, a former President of the Oxford Centre for Hebrew and Jewish Studies, a former President of the British and Irish Association for Jewish Studies, and of The Jewish Historical Society of England, and a Fellow of the British Academy. Sherry Ashworth is an alumna of the University of Manchester, where she was awarded an MA in Jewish Studies and subsequently a doctorate in 2023 for her research on the Book of Esther and the nineteenth century novel. She writes fiction and continues to research biblical narrative. She lives in Manchester and is a volunteer guide at Manchester Jewish Museum. The event will also be an opportunity to learn more about the services of Jewish Historical Society of England (JHSE) and their membership scheme. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Doors will be open from 5:30pm for the event to begin at 6pm. Our museum Cafe will be open for drinks but won?t be serving food. Please note that we don?t have a cloakroom and are unable to store bags. We would advise not bringing large bags with you when you visit. Click here for information about access. If you have any additional access needs, e-mail tickets@manchesterjewishmuseum.com in advance so we can accommodate best we can. Click here for information on travelling to the museum.