The first question that a committed Jew might ask when contemplating bringing his or her family to Edinburgh might be, "Can I lead a fulfilling Jewish life in Edinburgh?".  Past President John Cosgrove gives his thoughts:

"To answer this question let us look at what is on offer.  A proud history and the knowledge that many famous people have been associated with the Edinburgh Jewish Community sets a valuable precedent; it encourages a high standard and has led to a degree of commitment rarely found in communities of similar size.

"The sheer range of activities and societies listed is very impressive and must surely cater for every taste.  As a way of answering the original question, it is interesting to look up my diary today and see what has been happening in the past month in the Jewish community.

• An interfaith Service at which Judaism featured and a meeting of the Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) highlighted the need to explain basic Judaism to the world at large and from personal experience I can say that nothing concentrates the mind more about Jewish matters than the knowledge that you are going to be asked questions about it!  The CCJ meeting was a brilliant talk on the recent Israeli elections by David Capitanchik.

• The Literary Society opened its 105th Session with a wonderfully vivid account of the Cairo Geniza by former Edinburgher Stephan Reif.  As if that was not enough for one weekend, the previous evening WIZO had had a wonderful dinner party with humorist Dr Richard Wolfson as its speaker.

• On the following Saturday night, the Community Centre committee has its quiz and supper evening which was voted a huge success by everyone present.  Even the annual Armistice Service, which could be dull and boring, was enlivened by the Synagogue Choir's appearance.  They performed a range of liturgical music, some traditional and some newly composed by our innovative and creative conductor David Mendelssohn.

• On the following Monday Paul Mendel, the newly appointed national director of the CCJ, came from London to keep us up to date with national and international events in that particular field.

• Two days later the Edinburgh Friends of Israel had a meeting with the regional director of the Joint Israel Appeal (JIA).

• The Friendship Club went on an outing to Glasgow last week and the Jewish Philosophy Group, under Professor Alexander Broadie, wrestled with the problem of reconciling the day's Sidra with Maimonides' 13 principles.

"The list goes on and on, and all the time the regular minyanim are taking place, the students are having their regular Friday evening meals in the Community Centre and the luncheon club is providing two hot meals a week for our senior citizens.

"There is something going on in the community almost daily, and there is something to satisfy practically everyone.  And if not, you could always start your own group.

"Yes, you can lead a fulfilling Jewish life in Edinburgh."