Just under half of British Jews celebrate the festival of Purim, which falls on Monday night, according to the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR).
Celebration of Esther and Mordecai’s triumph over the wicked Haman (by 49 per cent) is on a par with observance of Succot (50 per cent) but much less than that for a Pesach seder (84 per cent) or candle-lighting at Chanukah (89 per cent).
But it is much more likely to be commemorated by younger adults with children at home, according to the data which was collected last summer.
“Purim, perhaps more than any other festival, is experienced as a holiday by the younger generation of Jews,” JPR said.
Seventy per cent of school-age Jewish children celebrate Purim, and 63 per cent of those aged from 16 to 29 – compared to 39 per cent of those in their ‘60s.
Whereas almost Orthodox Jews mark it, the figure drops to 59 per cent for traditional Jews, 48 per cent for Progressives and 19 per cent for secular Jewa.
Among children who attend a Jewish primary school, 94 per cent celebrate the festival – compared with 70 per cent in general primaries. Among children at a Jewish secondary school, Purim is observed by 80 per cent – compared with 57 per cent who go to a general secondary school.
Image: Purim at Sacks Morasha Primary School, North Finchley in 2024
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