Jewish holidays

Jewish holidays

The rhythm of life in Bałuty was marked by the Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Łódź had six synagogues, but most residents worshipped in one of the hundreds of shtibelekh (small prayer rooms). Friday evenings and Saturdays were a time of rest, with families gathering to observe the Shabbat. Children especially looked forward to the holidays of Chanukah and Purim, while adults focused on major Jewish holidays: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Pesach. The community's dedication to these traditions provided a structured rhythm to their lives. Audio includes excerpts from “Oyneg Shabes” (perf. Solomon Small [Smulewitz]) and “Leyshunu habu” (perf. Julius Guttmann).