A giant green pickle has been spotted making its way through London, appearing at landmarks such as the Tate Modern and Southbank Centre, to announce the launch of the UK's first Jewish culture month. The festival, organized by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, begins on 16 May and aims to bring "less oy and more joy" after challenging years for the Jewish community.
Festival Highlights
The month-long celebration will include over 150 events across the UK, covering food, music, comedy, architecture, fashion, film, and literature. Participating institutions include the V&A Museum, National Portrait Gallery, JW3 (London's Jewish community centre), the British Library, and the National Holocaust Museum.
Food and Community
Food plays a central role in the programme. The east London pickling company Shedletsky will host a traditional Friday night dinner. Co-founder James Cooper noted the deep connection between Eastern European Jewish communities and pickling traditions, which have evolved into modern deli culture. Co-founder Natalie Preston emphasized that food can help break down barriers between communities.
Music and Culture
At JW3 in Hampstead, an event titled "L'Chaim / L'Chaos: 50 Years of Jewish Punk" will explore the relationship between Jewish youth culture and Britain's 1970s punk scene. JW3's director of programming, William Galinsky, highlighted how outsider teen culture attracted young Jewish people who were often the first in their families to attend university or pursue non-traditional careers. Other events at JW3 include Miriam Elia's satirical exhibition, "Moses and the 613 Health and Safety Commandments."
Walking Tours and Exhibitions
The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR) will conduct walking tours exploring Jewish histories outside London, including in Cardiff. The tours will conclude at Wally's Delicatessen & Kaffeehaus, a business started by a Jewish refugee and now run by his grandson. The National Holocaust Museum in Newark, Nottinghamshire, will host an event titled "What Does it Mean to be Jewish?" featuring stories from young British Jews. The museum will display a Friday night dinner table with Shabbat candlesticks and challah bread, as well as mezuzahs for visitors to touch and ask questions about.
A Message of Inclusion
Liat Rosenthal, the Board's director of culture, education and communities, stated that the project emerged from conversations with artists and cultural workers who felt Jewish life had become overly defined by hostility and grief since the 7 October 2023 attacks in Israel. "For me, the response to antisemitism has to be this bold, proud, public moment," she said. She stressed that the month is intended for everyone, regardless of background or religion: "Everyone should get involved, learn something and eat lots of food."
Debra Barnes of the AJR noted that the festival aims to broaden public understanding of Jewish life beyond trauma. "If you mention Jews in Britain today, you think of antisemitism and attacks. It's a very depressing outlook at the moment," she said. "But we don't want to only be seen as victims, and we don't want to hide."
