The story of a happy return, emerging from among thousands of stories of people and possessions irretrievably lost. 

After 82 long years, the machzor has been returned to the descendants of the original owners. The prayer book is but one fragment of a collection of 12,000 liturgical volumes confiscated from Jews in concentration camps located in present-day Czech Republic. As part of the Library of Stolen Hopes project, the Brno Jewish Community is currently in the process of archiving the long-lost books in order to fulfil the primary objective of the undertaking, i.e. to return them to the descendants of the rightful owners.

This story is not about death, but about faith, hope, and the future.

Join us for this special evening in three parts: First join us for talk about The Library of Stolen Hopes, by Chief Rabbi of Brno, Rabbi Stepan Menashe Kliment; then we will have the play at 7:30pm, followed by Q&As with Angela Strach. After the event, join us for refreshments as we have a chance to connect and process.

Czech Centre London promotes Czechia’s good reputation in the UK through culture, art, innovation and creativity. Its programme covers visual and performing art, film, literature, music, architecture, design and fashion, science and social innovations. The Czech Centre also enhances cultural relations between the UK and Czechia through curatorial visits, media tours and artist residencies. The Czech Centre also provides Czech language courses and certified exams. It is a member of EUNIC London.