{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2026}} {{Infobox holiday | type = Commemorative month for British Jewish culture | holiday_name = Jewish Culture Month | date = | frequency = Annual | begins = 16 May | ends = 15 June | startedby = Board of Deputies of British Jews | firsttime = {{start date and age|df=yes|2026|05|16}} | duration = 1 month }}
The '''Jewish Culture Month''' is a month-long cultural festival in the United Kingdom dedicated to Jewish history, arts, music, literature, food and contemporary culture. Established in 2026 by the Board of Deputies of British Jews, the festival is scheduled from May to June across multiple British cities and cultural institutions.
The inaugural edition featured more than 150 events organised in partnership with institutions including the BBC, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Library, the National Portrait Gallery and JW3. Organisers stated that the initiative aimed to broaden public representation of Jewish life in Britain beyond narratives focused primarily on antisemitism and security concerns.
== History == The Jewish Culture Month was established in 2026 by the Board of Deputies of British Jews as the first nationwide initiative in the United Kingdom dedicated specifically to Jewish cultural programming across multiple institutions and cities.
The project emerged amid increased public conversation surrounding antisemitism, Jewish identity and cultural representation in Britain following the aftermath of the 7 October attacks and subsequent tensions related to the Gaza war. Organisers stated that the festival sought to highlight everyday British Jewish cultural life, artistic production and historical contributions beyond narratives centred primarily on conflict or security issues.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mohdin |first=Aamna |date=16 May 2026 |title=Giant green pickle tells us UK's Jewish culture month has begun |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/16/jewish-culture-month-festival-uk-green-pickle |access-date=16 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rocker |first=Simon |date=12 January 2026 |title=Jewish Culture Month is chance for community 'rebrand', says Board president |url=https://www.thejc.com/news/community/jewish-culture-month-is-chance-for-community-rebrand-says-board-president-f403ih3z |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=The Jewish Chronicle |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenberg |first=Phil |title=Jewish culture month is launching – and your community needs you |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/jewish-culture-month-is-launching-and-your-community-needs-you/ |access-date=16 May 2026 |language=en-US}}</ref>
The inaugural edition, held between 16 May and 15 June 2026, included exhibitions, concerts, talks, culinary events, public installations and broadcast.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BBC marks Jewish Culture Month |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2026/bbc-marks-jewish-culture-month/ |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=www.bbc.co.uk |language=en}}</ref>
== Programming == Jewish Culture Month features programmes dedicated to Jewish literature, music, comedy, visual arts, food, fashion, religious heritage and contemporary culture.
Participating institutions included the BBC, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Library, the National Portrait Gallery, JW3, the Freud Museum, Museum of the Home, Museum of Liverpool, the Discovery Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne, the Willesden Jewish Cemetery, the Irish Jewish Museum of Dublin as well as online events.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A celebration of British Jewish culture, community and creativity |url=https://jewishculturemonth.org.uk/ |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=Jewish Culture Month |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Best of British: Jewish Culture Month (18) |url=https://www.visitmanchester.com/event/best-of-british%3a-jewish-culture-month-(18)/111695101/ |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=www.visitmanchester.com |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrison |first=Molly |date=18 March 2026 |title=First UK Jewish Culture Month to be celebrated in Liverpool |url=https://merseynewslive.co.uk/2026/03/18/first-uk-jewish-culture-month-museum-to-be-celebrated-in-liverpool/ |access-date=16 May 2026 |website=MerseyNewsLive |language=en-GB}}</ref>
== References == {{Reflist}}
Category:Jewish culture Category:Festivals in the United Kingdom Category:Recurring events established in 2026