The Edinburgh Jewish Literary Society (or 'The Lit') was the first Jewish literary society to be founded outside London. It is presently the longest surviving such society, having celebrated its centenary in 1988.

Although its original constitution prohibited controversy on theological questions, the 'Lit' has in recent years been a highly popular forum for Jews of all kinds of theological persuasion.

Our membership includes students and senior citizens, long-standing members of the community and newcomers, families, 'singles' and interested non-Jewish supporters.

Meetings customarily take place on Sundays evenings at 8.00 p.m. in the winter and spring at the Jewish Community Centre, 4 Salisbury Road. There are 8 or more meetings a season, and the normal format is an address by a guest speaker followed by questions and discussion.

Our speakers are asked to choose a theme of Jewish interest, in the broadest sense. Meetings over the last few years have covered Jewish poets, thinkers and artists, the politics of Israel and Eastern Europe, the Crusades, the art and function of the cantor, and Jewish humour.  Some of our speakers are local and others travel from far afield. We are always glad to hear of visiting academics and others who may be able to address the Lit on a subject of their choice.

There are occasional departures from this pattern, both in the nature of the event and its timing. In the past the Lit has mounted plays, debates, entertainments and comparatively recently, some concerts. The Lit has been very fortunate to have had the services of a number of artists visiting Edinburgh for the Festival who have been kind enough to mount performances for the Society.

Refreshments are served after each meeting and help can be provided with transport. There is a modest membership fee and a suggested donation for non-members attending individual meetings. The meetings are publicised by posters placed at the synagogue and at the Old Fashioned Bakehouse, East Crosscauseway.  Details of forthcoming talks may also be found at the Lit's website (http://www.ejls.org/ ); if you wish to be placed on the Lit's email list, so that you would automatically get notification of forthcoming meetings (and occasional other events such as films considered to be of interest to members), please contact: ejls@xemaps.com