Course A2 - Vignettes from the Life of Anglo-Jewry

Rabbi Pini Dinner

8th February
1656 – 1756: A survey of the first century after resettlement
Following a break of several hundred years Oliver Cromwell readmitted the Jews into England in 1656. Why? Who were the Jews that came? Why did they come and what did they do here? Who were their leaders? A fascinating and insightful look into the lives of the original pioneers of modern Anglo-Jewry.
15th February
From Riches to Rags: The tragic story of England's most notorious proselyte, Lord George Gordon
The Gordon Riots was probably the most violent insurrection ever witnessed in London. Who was the enigmatic Lord George Gordon after whom the riots were named? How did he come to be at the centre of such a notorious uprising? And what is the truth about his subsequent conversion to Orthodox Judaism?
22nd February
Battle for Orthodoxy: Anglo-Jewry and the Reform Movement in the Nineteenth Century
Against a background of the rise of the Reform Movement in Western Europe, discover the unusual genesis of the Reform Movement in England. Who were the founders of West London Synagogue? How did the Orthodox leadership react to its formation? What was the role of Sir Moses Montefiore? What was the reaction of the Jewish press to this epic struggle?
1st March
When East Meets East: From Eastern Europe to the East End
The East End of London was the first port of call for tens of thousands of Jewish immigrants to England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Who were the immigrants? What was the reaction of the non-Jews to their arrival? What was the reaction of the existing Jewish community? Where did the immigrants work, pray, eat, study?
8th March
A Rebel Rabbi: The Life and Controversies of Joseph Shapotshnick
Enter the world of one of pre-war Europe's most controversial rabbis. Originally from Russia, Rabbi Joseph Shapotshnick settled in the East End of London in 1913 where he set himself up as 'Chief Rabbi' and began conducting activities that brought him into conflict not just with the real Chief Rabbi and his Beth Din, but with some of the leading Orthodox rabbis of his day.

Rabbi Pini Dunner comes from a family of distinguished rabbis going back several generations. Following his rabbinical studies in England, the United States and Israel, Rabbi Dunner gained a BA (Hons) degree in Jewish History at University College London. After a brief stint as presenter of Spectrum Radio's Jewish programme, in 1998 he was instrumental in setting up the trailblazing Saatchi Synagogue in Maida Vale, and served as its first rabbi for six years. Since 2004 Rabbi Dunner has pursued business interests, whilst at the same time he has been researching and writing a book on the controversial inter-war London-based Rabbi Joseph Shapotshnick.