Mimouna Celebration

Jerusalem, 30 April, 2024 (TPS) -- The traditional Mimouna celebration observed by Jews from Middle Eastern countries is held immediately after the end of the Passover holiday, which came with sundown Monday night.

Here, Rabbi Shahar Butzhak, the spiritual leader of the religious community in Ofakim, who was wounded in the leg when he fought with Hamas terrorists who penetrated his city on October 7, 2023, celebrates the Mimouna at his home with the participation of Knesset members Bezalel Smotrich, Almog Cohen and Zvi Sukkot.

Mimouna is a Jewish holiday celebrated by Maghrebi Jews, primarily in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Israel, and France. It is a festival of spring, marking the end of Passover and the beginning of a new season of abundance and prosperity.

The name “Mimouna” comes from the Hebrew word “emunah,” meaning “faith.” It is believed that the holiday originated in Morocco in the 17th century, and that it was originally a way for Jews to celebrate the end of Passover without violating the restrictions of the holiday.

Ofakim, Apr 29, 2024.
Photo by Eitan Elhadez-Barak/TPS