See here for the brilliant Geordie influencer video documenting Purim in Gateshead -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6XTX3Dtwg0

Rishonim - a two week long Jewish summer camp organised by the Jewish, zionist, socialist youth movement Habonim Dror, the summer after you finish Year 9. So many memories. Too many hormones.

Israel tour - the month long trip to Israel taken by post 16 year olds from all over the Jewish disapora, organised by various youth movements. 

Habonim Dror - aforementioned youth movement of choice for us, majority of our friends…and most of our upcoming guests (subconscious bias perhaps?)

Intifada - this references the second intifada, a period of heightened violence between Israel and Palestinians in the early 2000s.

The Shema - big ol’ Jewish prayer, recited twice daily by the very observant, involving covering the eyes to ensure maximum focus. It is also customary to say the opening line on one’s deathbed…

Eilat - southernmost town of Israel, popular holiday resort. Site of many Jewish teenage hangovers.

Pesach - Passover, the spring Jewish festival. The gluten-free one.

Matzah brei - a popular dish during Passover, involving matzah (the cracker/unlevened bread) and scrambled egg. When done right, it is pretty special. When done wrong, it is pretty gross.

Mordechai - the hero of the Purim story

Haman - the baddy of the Purim story, traditionally booed whenever his name is read out during the reading of the Purim story. Nothing like a bit of interactive story telling to get the crowds going.

Yeshiva - an academic institution devoted to the study of Torah.

Kol Nidrei - The prayer (technically a declaration) that kicks off Yom Kippur in the evening - the start of the fast that continues until the following evening. 

Martini rosso not being kosher - I’ve got to be honest, I tried to look up exactly why Martini Rosso isn’t kosher and read something about it not being a ‘gentle wine’ as it involves herbs and spices and got bored. 

North/South Manchester divide - ok so this is quite niche/specific to the Mancunian Jewish experience in that there are two main communities on either side of central Manchester that jokingly (sometimes) pit themselves against one another, with the conceit being that South Manc Jews are ‘posher’ than North. And I will leave that there lest I offend anyone.

Aliyah - the process of eligible individuals immigrating to Israel

Rabbi Amir at the sephardi shul being involved - to clarify, once again, I meant in terms of supporting the family during a truly awful time. Not being the cause of death.

Chasidic/ Hasidic - a branch of Orthodox Judaism that began in 18th century Europe. Very observant. These are some of the Jews that are easily identified by their clothes/hats etc.

Mincha - the Jewish afternoon prayer

Davening - Yiddish for praying