Visit to Bevis Marks Synagogue followed by an optional supper afterwards
The Grade I listed Bevis Marks Synagogue, on the borders of the City and the Borough of Tower Hamlets in London, is the Cathedral Synagogue of the Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic Jews. Finished in 1701 it was the first synagogue to be built following the re-settlement of Jews in England in the second half of the 17th Century.
It is the oldest synagogue still in use in the United Kingdom and has witnessed the daily worship, festivals, the celebration of births, marriages and funerals of generations of Sephardic Jews; it has survived the threat of demolition, the shock waves of Luftwaffe and IRA bombs and the upheaval of mass construction, to stand as a symbol of resilience and tradition in a changing world.
The Bevis Marks Synagogue collection contains a thousand beautiful, ornate works of art and craftsmanship, including Torah scrolls, ritual silver items, vestments, books and furniture. It is the oldest and most complete collection of any Jewish establishment in the UK and one of the most complete in Europe.
We are very pleased that Sir Michael and Lady Barbara Bear ill be joining us. Sir Michael was the 10th Jewish Lord Mayor in 1000 or so years.
Afterwards we will go for a Turkish mealround the corner for a fixed price menu, including a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, as follows:
C H O I C E O F C O L D S TA R T E R S
HUMMUS S-VG
Puréed chickpeas w/ tahini, lemon juice, garlic and oil dressing.
TABBOULEH VG-G
Crushed wheat w/ chopped tomatoes, onion, mint and parsley salad.
PATLICAN SOSLU VG
Cooked and chopped aubergine, peppers, tomatoes and garlic.
FALAFEL VG-S
Broad beans, chickpeas and vegetable fritters served w/ hummus.
C H O I C E O F M A I N C O U R S E S
LAMB GUVECH D-DFO
Diced lamb cooked w/ tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers, served w/ rice.
SPICY CHICKEN KOFTE G-D-DFO
Seasoned and grilled spicy minced chicken patties, served w/ bulgur, salad and garlic sauce.
ADANA KOFTE D-DFO-G
Marinated fine cuts of minced lamb, mixed w/ fresh herbs and grilled
on skewer, slightly spicy, served w/ bulgur and salad.
VEGGIE OR MEAT MOUSSAKA D-G
Baked layers of aubergine, potatoes, onions, carrots, peppers and minced
lamb, topped w/ béchamel sauce and cheese, served w/ rice.
INCIK (LAMB SHANK) D
Lamb shank slow cooked in the oven w/ rich tomato sauce and vegetables,
served w/ mashed potato.
CHICKEN ON SKEWER D
Marinated cubes of chicken grilled on skewer, served w/ rice and salad.
HALLOUMI KEBAB V-D
Grilled halloumi cheese skewered w/ onions and peppers, served w/ salad and rice.
Fixed menu incudes one drink, glass of wine, beer or soft drink. Other drinks at your own cost.