Sneak peek: Traditional Sabbath evening opened the festival week
With klezmer music, humor and a four-course dinner, Tjuvstart opened the festival week. Leoni Abrahamsen Kohn and Daniel Kohn hosted the evening together, in one of the festival's most popular events.
photo and text: Martin Farstad Borg
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A tradition that brings together
On Friday evening, the audience was welcomed to a traditional Shabbat dinner in the historic premises of the Synagogue. The event Tjuvstart has over the years become a cherished tradition in the festival program, and in 2025, as usual, all seats were quickly sold out.
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Music and management
Throughout the evening, guests experienced a unique interplay of food, music and storytelling. The Shira Etana Klezmer Ensemble, led by Leoni Abrahamsen Kohn on violin, filled the room with klezmer rhythms, accompanied by Bjørn-Petter Tøsse on accordion, Kirsti Nørstebø on clarinet and Udi Schlomo on percussion. Leoni led the Sabbath together with her husband Daniel Kohn, who left a clear mark on the evening.
Hosting and stories
Between courses, stories, humor and songs were shared. Festival director Rita Abrahamsen hosted and introduced the evening, while Leoni and Daniel ensured that the Sabbath was led with warmth and presence.
Flavors from tradition
The audience was served a four-course dinner inspired by traditional Jewish recipes. The flavors, combined with music and storytelling, created an atmosphere of both community and celebration.
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A highlight year after year
“For 15 years, Tjuvstart has been a very special way to open the festival. It is both a celebration of tradition and an invitation into the community,” said festival director Rita Abrahamsen. The combination of food, music and storytelling makes Tjuvstart one of the festival’s most popular events – and a highlight that sets the tone for the rest of the festival.
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