- All
- AEPJ News
- Andalusia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Balti
- Belarus
- Bendery
- Braunschweig
- Celle
- Chisinau
- EDJC old editions
- EDJC22
- EDJC23
- EDJC24
- EDJC25
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Girona
- Hannover
- Hildesheim
- Italy
- Izmir
- Lithuania
- Medieval Route
- Moldova
- National Route
- Orhei
- Padua
- Palaces, Villas and Country Houses
- Poland
- Regional Route
- Rhineland
- Rybnitsa
- Soroca
- Spain
- Thematic Route
- Tiraspol
- Turkey
- Ukraina
- Uncategorized
The annual European Days of Jewish Culture Organisers & Coordinators Meeting, organized by the European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage (AEPJ), concluded successfully in Barcelona on March 26, 2025, drawing more than 50 enthusiastic participants from across Europe. Over two days of vibrant sessions at the innovative Ca l’Alier venue in Barcelona’s Poblenou district, organizers shared insights, formed new partnerships, and prepared strategies for the upcoming 2025 festival.
The event began with a warm institutional welcome from AEPJ Director Victor Sorenssen and AEPJ General Secretary Assumpció Hosta, along with local representatives, including Sara Belbeida, Commissioner for Citizen Relations and Cultural and Religious Diversity of the Barcelona City Council, and leaders of Barcelona’s Jewish communities, Bryan Blacher (CIB.CAT)
The AEPJ is delighted to announce that registration is now open for the EDJC Organisers & Coordinators Meeting 2025, which will take place on March 25–26, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain.
This meeting is a key moment in preparing for the European Days of Jewish Culture, an annual festival that begins on the first Sunday of September and celebrates Jewish heritage through a wide variety of cultural and educational activities across Europe. By fostering inclusion, promoting dialogue, and combating antisemitism, the EDJC continues to make a meaningful impact in building a more cohesive and understanding society.
This year’s festival will explore the theme People of the Book, a reflection on the central role of the written word in Jewish tradition and its deep connections with interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.
The AEPJ has officially announced the theme for the 2025 European Days of Jewish Culture:
“People of the Book”
This theme was selected by the EDJC Committee after careful consideration of its rich potential to explore Jewish heritage, foster interfaith dialogue, and inspire innovative programming across Europe.
“People of the Book” highlights the profound role of the written word in Jewish tradition, encompassing sacred texts like the Torah, literary contributions, and the broader cultural and historical context shared with Christianity and Islam. It underscores the transformative power of words to connect communities, preserve memory, and foster mutual understanding. The theme “People of the Book” invites local organisers to explore the shared heritage of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding.
The AEPJ is excited to announce the creation of the European Days of Jewish Culture Committee, which convened for its inaugural meeting on November, 2024. This new body is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing the coordination and strategic planning of the annual EDJC festival, ensuring its continued impact as a platform for celebrating and promoting Jewish heritage across Europe.
The committee, comprised of representatives from national coordinating organizations across the continent and the National Library of Israel, aims to foster closer collaboration among national coordinators and local organizers. Its primary objectives include developing a comprehensive long-term work plan for the EDJC, streamlining reporting and evaluation processes, and implementing more advanced planning for the festival’s annual themes.
Erfurt, Germany, September 1, 2024 – The European Association for the Preservation and Promotion of Jewish Culture and Heritage officially launched the European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 today in the historic New Synagogue of Erfurt. This year, the EDJC is set to be Europe’s most extensive cross-border Jewish cultural initiative, with hundreds of events scheduled in more than two dozen countries from September through November.
The inauguration ceremony in Erfurt was attended by a large delegation from the AEPJ’s Board of Directors, including President François Moyse, Treasurer Patrick Bikard, Secretary General Assumpció Hosta, and Honorary President Claude Bloch. There was also a strong presence of AEPJ members and colleagues from other cultural routes, highlighting the collaborative spirit and shared commitment to preserving Jewish heritage across Europe.
The European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 is an annual celebration that unites communities across Europe in exploring and honoring Jewish heritage. This year’s theme, ‘Family,’ invites participants to delve into the many facets of Jewish family life, from traditions and values to stories of resilience and continuity. Through a variety of events, exhibitions, and educational activities, the EDJC 2024 aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the role that family plays in shaping Jewish identity and cultural legacy.
The EDJC have been extensively reinforced by the collaboration with the National Library of Israel, which has acted as a means to develop all kinds of exhibition and educational materials, which have given an important added value to the festival while facilitating its celebration throughout the continent.
The European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 will officially commence on the 1st of September, with a grand inauguration in Erfurt, Germany. This year’s festival, themed “Family,” will offer a rich variety of cultural activities across Europe, celebrating Jewish heritage through the lens of family traditions and histories.
This year’s opening ceremony will be particularly special as it coincides with the recent inclusion of Erfurt’s Jewish-Medieval heritage on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Following the decision by the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh on September 17, 2023, Erfurt’s Old Synagogue, Mikveh, and the “Stone House” have been recognized as sites of outstanding universal value. This prestigious title marks Erfurt as an essential part of human heritage, boosting its significance in international tourism and cultural preservation.
The European Days of Jewish Culture 2024 team is delighted to announce the completion of its latest exhibition, produced by the team of National Library of Israel, created specifically for the EDJC 2024. Under the theme “Family,” this exhibition offers a compelling exploration of the historical, cultural, and religious importance of family within Judaism.
This captivating exhibition comprises eight meticulously curated panels that guide visitors through various aspects of Jewish family life. From the foundational role of family values in Jewish tradition to the stories of influential families, the exhibition delves into the concept of chosen families, the significance of genealogy, marriage traditions, the parent-child relationship, family rituals, and the themes of separation and reunion.
Organisers and coordinators of the EDJC 2024 are encouraged to download, translate if necessary, and print the exhibition to enrich their local events.
This year’s European Days of Jewish Culture is set to be an unforgettable celebration, focusing on the theme of “Family.” The concept of family is central to Jewish culture and heritage, reflecting the deep connections that bind us across generations and communities. As we prepare for the festival this September, we invite you to explore and celebrate the diverse and enriching narratives of Jewish families.
Family, as this year’s theme, offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish life. From historical family traditions to contemporary practices, the EDJC 2024 will highlight the roles families play in preserving and promoting Jewish culture. Through various activities and events, we aim to showcase how families contribute to the continuity and vitality of Jewish heritage.