Jewish Europe

Cultural Summer

The Jewish Museum Berlin hosts an annual two-month-long festival during the summer. Traditionally hosted in the museum’s garden, visitors flock to the seemingly endless selection of events which include concerts, readings, the sharing of traditional and modern delicacies, as well as the popular Jazz in the Garden event. The Cultural Summer Festival attracts visitors and contributors from many diverse and exotic corners of the world. The festival, which began in 2004 as a secret event, is now a primary cultural event in Berlin where summer is celebrated, and guests can enjoy the museum's new additions and exhibits. Several known figures have attended past festivals, including fiction writer Molly Antopol, actress Katharina Marie Schubert, and Parisian singer Noëmi Waysfeld.

Singer's Warsaw Jewish Culture Festival

The Singer's Warsaw Jewish Culture Festival is a celebration that immerses you in the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage, right in the heart of Poland's capital. Named after Isaac Bashevis Singer, a Polish-born Yiddish-language writer, this festival offers a diverse array of cultural experiences, from grand and intimate concerts to theatrical performances, literature discussions, and visual arts exhibitions. Warsaw, once home to the world's largest Jewish population outside of New York, comes alive with the vibrant history and contemporary culture of the Jewish people during this annual event. Each year, the festival attracts artists from across the globe, including Poland, Austria, Germany, Serbia, Israel, the United States, Sweden, and Italy, making it a truly international affair. A Celebration of Unity and Resilience The festival offers guided tours, workshops, and film screenings, ensuring there is something for everyone, whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply someone looking to explore a different cultural landscape. The event reaches its poignant conclusion with "A Lullaby for Memory," a musical performance held in front of the memorial honoring the fighters of the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. This festival not only commemorates the Jewish heritage lost during the Holocaust but also celebrates the thriving contemporary Jewish culture in Poland and beyond. For a full program and to learn more about the festival, visit the Shalom Foundation's website. All images from: https://shalom.org.pl/program-2024/

European Days of Jewish Culture

The AEPJ has promoted, together with the network of participating institutions, an edition that will be based on new technologies and the digital world, giving the opportunity to reach a wider audience worldwide. In this way, for the first time in 20 years, on the opening day of the Festival, an eight-hour online program will be held, open to the entire public, where conferences, interviews, concerts and videos on European Jewish heritage will take place, offering a unique look, from the inside, at the history and Jewish communities of a large number of European participating countries. We will connect live with Luxembourg, Barcelona, Jerusalem, Paris and Oxford.

Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival

Experience the Joyful Celebration of Jewish Heritage and Art at the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Jewish culture at the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival, an annual celebration that transforms Budapest into a vibrant hub of heritage and artistic expression. This premier Jewish festival showcases nearly 200 talented performers, offering visitors a unique blend of traditional and contemporary Jewish culture. From music and dance to visual arts and culinary delights, the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival offers a diverse array of events that highlight the multifaceted nature of Jewish heritage. This year’s festival promises a special treat with the world premiere of an international musical collaboration, bringing together artists from around the globe to create a unique and memorable experience. Celebrate 25 Years of Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival Join us in celebrating a quarter of a century of the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival, an event that has grown to become a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Over the past 25 years, the festival has not only provided a platform for Jewish artists and performers but has also fostered a sense of community and cultural pride. We invite you to be part of the festivities and share in the love and passion that has sustained this vibrant community tradition. From intimate encounters with artists to grand performances in iconic venues, the festival offers something for everyone. Dive into the millennial Jewish tradition, explore the cultural and artistic wonders, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Budapest. A Diverse Array of Artistic and Literary Programs at the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival The Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival features a wide and varied program spanning 10 days, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The festival's artistic and literary offerings include concerts, literary productions, and dance performances, showcasing both Hungarian and international talent. Among the diverse musical performances, you'll find everything from klezmer and Yiddish music to classical and popular music concerts. Notable performers include the Budapest Klezmer Band, the Sabbathsong Klezmer Band, László Dés, the Omri Mor Trio, Péter Müller Sziámi, Voices of Yemen, Andrea Malek, and Andrea Szulák. These performances highlight the rich tapestry of Jewish musical tradition and contemporary expression within the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival. Featured Performances at the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival The Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival features a variety of captivating performances that showcase the rich diversity of Jewish culture. One highlight is the Budapest Klezmer Band concert, set to take place at the historic Dohány Street Synagogue. The band, renowned for its lively and emotional klezmer music, will be joined by special guests Katica Illényi and Szilveszter Szabó P., promising an unforgettable evening.  Another standout performance is the world premiere of "Yiddishe Máme Jukebox," a musical extravaganza led by Leonid Gutkin and performed by the Binah Orchestra. This unique concert blends traditional Jewish melodies with contemporary music, offering a fresh and exciting experience for audiences. Both performances exemplify the festival's commitment to celebrating Jewish heritage through exceptional artistic expression. Celebrating Jewish Heritage in Sacred Venues The Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival takes place in special locations. The festival's events are held in historic and sacred sites, including the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Rumbach Street Synagogue, the Frankel Leó Street Synagogue, the Hegedűs Gyula Street Synagogue, and the Bálint House, which is central to the Hungarian Jewish community. These venues not only provide a unique cultural experience but also offer insights into the diversity and richness of Jewish culture and history. Attendees of the Budapest Jewish Cultural Festival will have the opportunity to enjoy world-class performances in settings that hold deep historical and cultural significance. For more World Jewish Travel festival listings click here. Images attribution: Photos by Zsidó Kulturális Fesztivál – Jewish Cultural Festival

Public Sukkah in Venice

Come celebrate Sukkot in Venice! Enjoy your meals  during this Jewish festival in the public Sukkah of the Venice Ghetto.   https://www.jewishvenice.org/

Warsaw Jewish Film Festival

Explore Jewish Stories at the Warsaw Jewish Film Festival The Warsaw Jewish Film Festival is a beacon of cultural heritage that lights up the city with its celebration of Jewish stories, heritage, and artistic expression. Conceived to honor and share the rich Jewish culture, this festival first cast its spell over the city of Warsaw commencing its cinematic voyage in the early 21st century. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Jewish culture, transforming the city into a hub where film enthusiasts and storytellers converge to revel in the power of cinema. Set against the backdrop of Warsaw's historical and contemporary landscapes, the event unfolds in a city deeply woven with Jewish history. The festival usually takes place at prominent venues, inviting a fusion between the past and the present, with a profusion of events that engage residents and visitors alike. Each screening, panel, and discussion serves as a conduit connecting the lineage of Jewish tradition with modern narratives, uncovering stories that resonate with the shared human experience. The Warsaw Jewish Film Festival welcomes a diverse audience, from buffs of motion picture arts to those dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Jewish culture. Filmmakers, actors, scholars, and the public unite under the art of filmmaking to honor works that explore, document and celebrate Jewish life, history, and aspirations. Customs during the festival include the showcasing of Jewish films ranging from historic retrospectives to contemporaneous creations, followed by discussions that often take a deep-dive into pertinent Jewish themes and experiences. It is a unique opportunity for all participants to immerse themselves in a space that not only commemorates the past but also shapes contemporary culture through the lens of Jewish identity. Images attribution: All by Warsaw Jewish Film Festival

UK Jewish Film Festival

Immerse Yourself in the UK Jewish Film Festival Discover a vibrant celebration of Jewish culture, history, and storytelling at the UK Jewish Film Festival in London. This cinematic event is more than just an exhibition of movies; it's a rich tapestry of Jewish life, achievements and challenges, wrapped in the universal language of film. The festival, established during a time of burgeoning cinema culture, has been bringing diverse stories to the big screen since its inception in the late 20th century. Annually, it unfolds in the quaint theaters scattered around the historic and cosmopolitan streets of London, where tales of heritage and identity find a heartfelt showcase. The UK Jewish Film Festival commemorates the indelible legacy of Jewish narratives through a curated selection of films that span genres from documentary to drama, comedy, and beyond. Special events often accompany the screenings, including Q&A sessions with filmmakers, panel discussions that provide deeper insight into Jewish history, and workshops that inspire the next generation of storytellers. These customs have become a staple of the festival, enriching the experience for attendees and participants alike. It's where artists, scholars, and enthusiasts, regardless of their background, gather to celebrate the multifaceted nature of Jewish life and its contributions to the arts. The festival doesn't just celebrate Jewish artists and themes; it encourages a dialogue—an exchange where the resonance of Jewish history with the present and future can be explored and appreciated. Images attribution: Photos by UK Jewish Film

Days of Jewish Culture Berlin

Days of Jewish Culture Berlin The Days of Jewish Culture in Berlin is a vibrant celebration of Jewish heritage, art, and history. First organized in the early 1980s, the event commemorates the rich tapestry of Jewish life and culture that has flourished in Berlin for centuries. Held in various locations across the city, including synagogues, cultural centers, and public spaces, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse facets of Jewish life. Through lectures, art exhibitions, concerts, and theater performances, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories, traditions, and contributions of the Jewish community, both past and present. Participants of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy traditional Jewish foods, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and partake in customs that have been passed down through generations. Special events such as guided tours of historic Jewish sites and interactive workshops provide deeper insights into the community's enduring legacy. The festival not only celebrates Jewish culture but also fosters a sense of unity and understanding among attendees. Whether you're a long-time resident or a curious traveler, the Days of Jewish Culture in Berlin invites you to join in this enriching and educational experience, celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of Jewish life. Image attribution: All from: <https://www.juedische-kulturtage.org/>

Hannukah Lighting in London

Come celebrate Chanukah, the Jewish festival of lights, with a giant menorah that will be lit up in Trafalgar Square!

The Day of Jewish Monuments in the Czech Republic

The annual Day of Jewish Monuments in the Czech Republic is a unique cultural event that opens the doors to 58 Jewish monuments scattered across Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia. This special event invites visitors to explore these historic sites free of charge or for a voluntary contribution. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or someone keen on discovering hidden gems, this day offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Jewish heritage of the region. Significance of the Event This year's roster includes both well-known landmarks and lesser-known sites that are usually closed to the public. For example, visitors in Prague can explore the Jerusalem (or Jubilee) synagogue, while those willing to venture off the beaten path will find treasures in Pacov, Mikulov, and Černovice. Many of these sites have recently undergone extensive renovations or are currently being restored, adding an extra layer of fascination to your visit. In addition to exploring these historic monuments, visitors can enjoy various programs such as guided tours and concerts, enriching the experience with context and ambiance. Mark your calendars for this inspiring day and prepare to be captivated by the stories and beauty of Jewish monuments in the Czech Republic. Image Attribution: <https://jewish-heritage-europe.eu>