Jewish Cultural Festival opened with anniversary celebration in the Synagogue
The synagogue was filled with music, speeches and storytelling as the Jewish Cultural Festival 2025 officially opened. The opening marked the festival's 15th anniversary – a celebration of culture, community and reflection.
photo and text: Martin Farstad Borg
Welcome greetings
On Saturday morning, festival director Rita Abrahamsen, chairman Yngve Brox and mayor Kent Ranum welcomed the opening of the Jewish Culture Festival 2025. In its 15th year, the festival emerged as an important meeting place for exploring and communicating Jewish culture, history and identity in Norway.
Artistic highlights
The opening program featured both speeches and artistic performances. Highlights included music from the Krakow Klezmer Band and the Barcelona Gipsy Balkan Orchestra, as well as excerpts from this year's newly written performance Nerbyen – a Blunder in History .
From small to large
The festival has grown significantly since its inception in 2011 and today stands as a unique platform for highlighting minority culture in the heart of Trondheim. The 15th anniversary marked both continuity and renewal – with a rich program that ranges from concerts and theater to lectures, exhibitions and food experiences.
A memorable collection
Festival director Rita Abrahamsen expressed her expectations for this year's celebration:
"We look forward to giving the audience a memorable collection of words, sounds and stories that set the tone for exciting days filled with reflection and community - right in the heart of Trondheim."
The breadth of this year's program
The festival ran over two weekends, and the program showcased the broad spectrum of Jewish culture – from traditional to contemporary, from local to international.
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