The principal rabbi of a major north-London Reform community attributes the high cost of Pesach items to Jews exploiting their brethren, arguing that the message of the festival is being lost amid the retail frenzy.

"I think a lot of people get lost in the consumerism of Pesach and forget the essence of it," says Finchley Reform's Rabbi Miriam Berger.

"If we're meant to be remembering the bitterness of slavery and being grateful for what we have, then spending ludicrous amounts doesn't make sense.

"It should be a week of living a basic life - not a more extravagant one. I don't think it is in any way part of Jewish values to throw food away when there are people in society who are going without."

Rabbi Berger buys few Pesach food items beyond the essentials of matzah and matzah meal, preferring to stick to a simple diet of fish, meat and vegetables.

What angers me is Jews hiking up prices rather than being an ethical business model

She will open a new butter for Pesach to ensure there are no breadcrumbs in it, but does not feel the need to buy one with a kosher-for-Pesach label. "I don't need somebody else to put on it a very expensive label to tell me something I already know.

"What makes me angry is Jews hiking up prices rather than being an ethical business model. This is Jews exploiting each other.

"The essence of Pesach is remembering to be grateful for the freedom that you have and the privileged life you lead because we are no longer slaves."

Liberal Judaism rabbi Sandra Kviat voices similar sentiments. "From my perspective, I don't think we need to buy special oil, salt or toilet paper. We lose sight of what the real point of the festival is about - remembering the story of Egypt and what it means to be free.

"Focusing too much on bits you can and can't afford is missing the bigger picture."

When community members express concern about affording Pesach items, she advises that they "buy essential bits. Then rather than spending money, focus on the freedom of others".