End of Summer Jewish Culture Festivals

Summer is drawing to a close, but there are a number of Jewish culture festivals that mark the end of the traditional holiday season.

EUROPEAN DAYS OF JEWISH CULTURE

The “Big One” is the annual European Days of Jewish Culture (EDJC), which kicks off September 3.  The theme this year is “Memory.”

There will be official kick-off events in Brussels, with more than 300 other events scheduled in around a score of countries around Europe. Some events will be held in the next days or weeks.

Click here to access the programs for all participating countries

NOTE: Italy, traditionally one of the most enthusiastic participants of the EDJC, will be holding its European Day of Jewish Culture on September 10, under the theme of “Beauty,” rather than “Memory.” Its kick-off city is Florence, and there will be events up and down the Italian peninsula.

Click here to see the program for Italy’s Giornata della Cultura Ebraica.

 

Here are a few other “big” festivals (which may or may not come under the EDJC umbrella). We know there are other festivals, too — we have posted links to some on our Facebook page, and you can add them in the comments here, too.

 

POLAND

August 19-September 3

20th Edition of the Singer’s Warsaw Festival, Warsaw

The premier Jewish culture festival in Poland, aside from the Krakow Jewish Culture Festival. It celebrates its 20th edition jubilee this year.

Theatre performances, concerts, films, guided tours, lectures, food, books — and more.

Click here for the full program (including some preliminary events in Bilgoraj)

 

CZECH REPUBLIC

August 31-September 3

Štetl fest festival Brno

The second edition of Štetl Fest centers on the theme of trains.

Trains served as a means of transport for Jewish emigres as well as connection among families and businesses. They also served as escape for Jewish and other refugees seeking freedom from the gradually occupied territories under Nazis control. But tragically, the infamous death trains transported thousands of Jews to death camps and concentration camps. However, trains also carried survivors home and to this day continue to aid those fleeing the ongoing war in Ukraine.

As part of the festival, a memorial dedicated to the deported Jews will be unveiled at Platform 5 of the Brno Main Train Station. There will also be concerts, talks, and guided tours of the Brno Jewish cemetery and Jewish architectural heritage (some tours in English).

Click here to see the full program

HUNGARY

September 3-12

25th Jewish Culture Festival, Budapest

More than 25 programs, more than 7 venues, nearly 200 performers.

This year’s edition marks a quarter century of activity, with concerts, performances, and other events held in locations mainly in the downtown old Jewish quarters, including in historic synagogues.

Click here to see the program

LITHUANIA

September 2 – October 12

International Jewish Culture Festival SHALOM IN ALL THE WORLD.

This year’s festival focuses on the Jewish woman, her role and importance in history, culture, traditions, social life.

Events will take place in Klaipėda, and also in Švėkšna and Gargždai, Lithuania.

There will be exhibitions, workshops, lectures, concerts, books presentations, films, and more.

Click here to access the full program

GERMANY

September 5-14

Jewish Culture Days in Berlin.

The 36th edition of one of the oldest Jewish culture festivals in Europe.

Concerts, tours, literature, film fashion — and more.

Click here for information and program.