Yeshivah boys have been told not to go over the top with Purim celebrations on Sunday because of the recession. Strictly Orthodox rabbis want to prevent what they consider extravagant displays of public merriment.

One source close to the rabbinate said: "They can have some Purim fun but they don't want them to spend too much at a time when people are having to tighten their belts."

Hiring open-air buses or horse and carriages - or having musicians playing on the back of vans - was considered too ostentatious by rabbis.