At Nightingale Hammerson, Jewish traditions are at the heart of our community. Our residents, staff, and families come together throughout the year to celebrate, reflect, and honour the deeply meaningful festivals that shape Jewish life. From the joy of Purim to the solemnity of Yom Kippur, each occasion is observed with care, ensuring that our residents can continue to connect with their faith, heritage, and memories.
Holocaust Memorial Day - 27th January
27 January marks the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945. It is a day for everyone to remember the millions of lives lost during the Holocaust under Nazi persecution, as well as the victims of later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Darfur.
Tu B’Shevat: New Year - 13th February
The New Year for Trees, marked by the symbolic planting of a tree. While there is no special greeting, it is customary to eat and recite a blessing over a new fruit, as well as enjoy a variety of fruits—often up to 15 different kinds.
Purim - 14th March
A celebration of Jewish survival in ancient Persia when faced with persecution. Purim is a joyous festival filled with fancy dress, a festive meal, lively celebrations, and even some drinking. Traditions include exchanging food gifts, spreading good cheer, and reading the Megillah (The Book of Esther) both in the morning and evening.
Passover - 12th to 20th April
Passover, known as the Jewish Festival of Freedom, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. In preparation, crockery, cutlery, and all cooking equipment are changed over. Special Passover menus are observed, avoiding leavened products (and, for many, pulses). The festival also marks the beginning of the Omer, a period of restrictions. Synagogue services are held throughout.
Yom Hashoah - 24th April
Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a solemn day dedicated to commemorating the six million Jewish lives lost during the Holocaust.
Yom HaZikaron - 30th April
Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, is a solemn day of remembrance for Israeli soldiers who lost their lives in service and victims of terrorism
Yom Ha’Atzmaut - 1st May
The day marking the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948. Traditions include prominently displaying the Israeli flag, wearing blue and white, and incorporating these colours into food decorations. The celebrations often feature singing, dancing, and for some, a festive meal.
Lag B’Omer - 16th May
The 33rd day after the start of Passover, Lag B’Omer marks the end of a period of mourning and restrictions on celebrations observed by some. It is also the Yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of a revered Jewish sage and mystic.
Shavuot - 1st to 3rd June
Shavuot commemorates the moment when the Jewish people received the Torah on Mount Sinai, including the Ten Commandments. It is a joyous festival, with synagogues and homes decorated with flowers and plants to symbolise the greenery of Mount Sinai. Dairy foods, such as cheesecake and cheese blintzes, are traditionally enjoyed. Synagogue services are held to mark the occasion.
Fast of 17th Tammuz - 13th July
A fast day. On this day, the Romans broke through the walls and entered the city of ancient Jerusalem, before reaching and destroying the Temple three weeks later. This date begins a 3 week period of mourning for the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. Certain restrictions on celebrations are observed during this 3 week period. The last 9 days of this period have more severe restrictions, and are commonly referred to as “The 9 Days”.
Fast of Tisha B’Av - 3rd August
A major fast day marking the destruction of both Temples in ancient Jerusalem, Tisha B’Av is the saddest day in the Jewish calendar. The Book of Lamentations (Eicha) is read in the synagogue, accompanied by special prayers. Customs of mourning and sorrow are observed throughout the day.
Rosh Hashana - 22nd to 24th September
A period of reflection and introspection for all Jewish people. From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, individuals seek forgiveness from both G-d and those they may have wronged, aiming to make amends and commit to personal growth in the year ahead. Traditional foods such as honey, apples, and honey cake are enjoyed to symbolise hopes for a sweet New Year. Synagogue services are an integral part of the observance.
Yom Kippur - 1st -2nd October
A fast day and the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur marks the culmination of the Ten Days of Repentance that begin on Rosh Hashanah. It is considered the final opportunity for each Jew to seek forgiveness from G-d and demonstrate sincere commitment to self-improvement in the year ahead. Some residents may choose to fast. Synagogue services play a central role in the day’s observance.
Succot - 6-8th October
The Festival of Tabernacles, Succot, commemorates the Jewish people's time in the desert, living under G-d’s protection in temporary dwellings (succot). To honour this, many eat their meals—and some even sleep—in a succah. It is a joyous festival marked by special synagogue services.
Shemini Atzeret - 13th-15th October
A joyous celebration of the Torah, Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual reading of the Five Books of the Torah and the immediate beginning of Genesis again. The day is filled with heartfelt singing, dancing, and festivities in the synagogue, as the Torah is embraced with joy and reverence. Special synagogue services are held to commemorate the occasion.
Chanukah - 14th to 22nd December
Over 2,000 years ago, after victory over the Syrian-Greek Empire, the Jews rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem, including the Menorah. Though only enough sanctified oil was found to last one day, it miraculously burned for eight days.Customs: Lighting the Menorah each night and enjoying oily foods such as doughnuts and latkes to commemorate the miracle.
Shabbat
Welcome Shabbat with warmth and tradition by lighting your candles at the correct time each week. In London, Shabbat candle lighting typically takes place 18 minutes before sunset on Friday evening. The exact time varies throughout the year, so it’s essential to check weekly updates to ensure you’re lighting at the proper moment.
Shabbat candle lighting is a cherished mitzvah (commandment) that ushers in a peaceful and sacred time. Traditionally, at least two candles are lit to symbolise Shamor v’Zachor (Keep and Remember), bringing light, harmony and spiritual connection to the home.
Weekly Shabbat Candle Lighting Times in London
Check the latest Shabbat candle lighting times in London. Times are based on sunset in London and follow halachic guidelines.