Jewish Culture Month: Traditional Folk Tales in the Galleries

Riddles, tricksters, brave heroes, and a sprinkle of ancient magic for curious young minds. Perfect for families ready to wander, wonder, and discover the wisdom hidden between the branches this Jewish Culture Month. (Included with admission to Galleries)

Stories to be shared in the Whispering Wood from 25 May - 29 May 2026 at 11.00, 13.45, 15.00, 16.45.

Jewish stories are like well-travelled suitcases—brimming with memories, mischief, learnings and moments of everyday life, passed lovingly from one generation to the next. Some of the oldest begin in the Five Books of Moses, the Torah, still read aloud synagogues, where every section ends with a joyful call to keep the story going. As Jewish families journeyed across the world—from the Middle East through North Africa and Europe to Britain—they carried these tales with them, reshaping them along the way. New places brought new ideas, languages, and characters: wise tricksters, quick-thinking problem-solvers, and figures who could outwit kings or turn trouble into triumph. Humour became a constant companion, helping communities face hardship with resilience and a spark of joy.

The stories gathered for Jewish Culture Month reflect this rich, winding journey—featuring everything from riddles and magical fruits to mistaken identities and mischievous heroes like Hershel of Ostropol. We have collected tales that travelled continents, stories that echo familiar folktales with a distinctly Jewish twist, and even a few that can be told in under a minute. Whether it’s gossip scattered like feathers in the wind, a prince convinced he’s a rooster, finding a cloak for the moon, each story invites us to laugh, to think, and to recognise something wonderfully familiar—because wherever they come from, stories are about people, and people are delightfully alike.

What is Jewish Culture Month?

Jewish Culture Month is a nationwide celebration bringing together over 100 events across the UK, showcasing the richness and diversity of Jewish life through food, comedy, art, architecture, fashion, music, poetry, and more. It highlights both historic and contemporary Jewish culture, drawing on nearly 1,000 years of shared heritage, with contributions from leading performers, thinkers, and creators. Major national institutions including the British Museum, Tate Britain and Tate Modern, the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A, Museum of the Home, and the Science Museum are spotlighting Jewish collections, while events take place from major cities like Manchester, Leeds, Cardiff, Liverpool and Oxford to smaller towns such as King’s Lynn and Margate. The celebrations begin on 16 May and align with Sivan, the Hebrew month traditionally associated with the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.