It’s a bit of a riddle, a phenomenon that’s gone against the trend. How is it that the challenge of assimilation didn’t touch Gateshead?
Photos: Ruskin Photography, Gateshead Yeshiva archives
“H
ave you ever been to Gateshead before?” “Yes,” I answer, “about 20 years ago.”
“So, has anything changed around here in the last 20 years?”
These two questions were repeatedly posed on my recent visit to Gateshead by curious, friendly, and courteous Jewish community members who will never enter a shul or yeshivah building without looking over their shoulder to keep the door open for anyone trailing behind them.
But other than acknowledging that special courtesy, and mentioning that it rained constantly on each visit — no winter novelty in northeast England — it’s not a question I felt qualified to answer.
Create a free account to keep reading.
