Leeds Jewish History Project

Our mission

Leeds Jewish History Project (LJHP) celebrates the history of the Leeds Jewish Community. We are developing an archival resource to inspire future generations and encourage research into the history of the Leeds Jewish community.

Our collections

Alien Registration ID, Barnett Jacobson, 1917, stamped “Leeds City Police”

Identity card of a Moroccan Jewish teenager who came to England in 1960.

We hold a collection of around 2000 paper documents and photographs. We keep these at our storage office in Leeds. You can view items in our collection by searching our catalogue and making a note of the “Title” and “Reference” for each file you wish to view. Email us with details and request a visit. We have limited opening hours but will try to accommodate you.

You can view our catalogue on The National Archive Discovery website by clicking the link here.

We also keep a collection of oral history recordings made by our volunteers with older people from the Leeds Jewish community. You can listen to a selection of these here on this website (below).

Our collections have been donated or loaned by individuals and organisations in the Leeds Jewish community.

Listen

You can get a taste of our oral history collection by listening to interviews and short clips below. Click on the play arrow and make sure the volume on your computer or phone is turned up.

Oral history interview: 49 minutes and 45 seconds. Listen to a full interview with Sue Baker MBE.

Sue served as a Magistrate chairman in the Adult crime court and as a Judge in the Family Court in West Yorkshire. She was also an adviser and supervisor at Leeds Citizens Advice where she volunteered for over 40 years. In 1995 Sue was appointed an Honorary Officer of the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, and went on to become only the second Lady President in its history. During this time she also served on a number of other charitable committees within the Leeds Jewish community. She was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the community and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2007. With thanks to Sue Baker. Interview by Carol Gold. Recorded by Louisa Parker on 21/10/2024.

Short audio clip: 37 seconds. Leeds ballerina and dance teacher Gill Caplan talks about knowing she wanted to be a dancer at 3 years old. With thanks to Gill Caplan. Interview by Carol Gold. Recorded by Louisa Parker on 29/05/2024.

Short audio clip: 1 minute 13 seconds. Leeds bristle brush manufacturer Peter Brostoff explains how man-made fibres such as nylon and other innovations reduced the need for the family business. With thanks to Peter Brostoff. Interview by Carol Gold. Recorded by Louisa Parker on 04/11/2023.