Understanding Israeli and Jewish Culture in Cyprus: Holidays, Customs and Etiquette for Friends and Neighbours

Many expats now have Israeli colleagues, neighbours or school-gate friends in Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. Here is what to know about Jewish holidays, Shabbat, food and etiquette.

Who makes up the Israeli and Jewish community in Cyprus?

Cyprus has a small historic Jewish presence and a community that has grown quickly since the 2000s. In early 2025 the Office of the Chief Rabbi estimated it at around 4,000 Jewish families, many of them Israeli. The Chief Rabbi of Cyprus, Rabbi Arie Zeev Raskin, leads Chabad Lubavitch of Cyprus, whose synagogue and community centre in Larnaca opened in the mid-2000s. Chabad also runs centres in Limassol, Nicosia, Paphos and Ayia Napa, offering prayer services, Shabbat meals and kosher food. A Jewish school is planned in Limassol for 2027.

It helps to keep Israeli culture (a national culture with its own language, food and humour) apart from Judaism (a religion and a people found in many countries). Not every Israeli is Jewish, and not every Jew is Israeli. About a fifth of Israel's citizens are Arab (Muslim, Christian or Druze), and many Israelis came from the former Soviet Union and speak Russian at home. Among Jewish Israelis, a Pew survey found about half call themselves secular, with the rest traditional, religious or ultra-Orthodox. Never assume how religious someone is.

What is Shabbat and how does it affect plans?

Shabbat (the Sabbath) runs from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. For many families it means a Friday night dinner with candles, wine and challah bread, whatever their level of observance.

Observant Jews do not work, drive, cook, handle money or use phones and other electronics on Shabbat. In practice:

• Do not expect replies on Friday evening or Saturday, and avoid Saturday meetings or parties with observant friends; Saturday night or Sunday often works well.
• Israel's working week runs Sunday to Thursday, so Israeli-run businesses may keep different hours from Cypriot ones. Kosher shops and restaurants usually close early on Friday and stay closed on Saturday.

When are the Jewish holidays in 2026–27?

Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew lunar calendar, so the dates move each year, and every holiday starts at sunset the evening before the first date shown. Outside Israel, some communities add an extra festival day. Dates below are as of 2026, from Hebcal.

The 2026 High Holidays have already passed: Rosh Hashanah was on 12–13 September, Yom Kippur on 21 September and Simchat Torah on 3–4 October 2026.

Yom Kippur is the most solemn day of the year, and even many secular Israelis fast. Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron are sombre days. For Cypriot holidays, see our festivals month by month.

What does kosher mean and how do you host Jewish friends?

Kashrut (kosher law) covers which foods are allowed and how they are prepared. The basics:

• No pork or shellfish.
• Meat and poultry must come from kosher animals slaughtered in a set way.
• Meat and dairy are not eaten together; observant households keep separate dishes for each.
• Fish with fins and scales, fruit, vegetables and grains are neutral.

People keep these rules very differently. A secular friend may eat anything; a traditional one may skip pork and not mix meat with dairy; an observant one will only eat food from a kosher kitchen. Ask, without judgement. Vegetarian or fish dishes suit many guests. For strictly kosher friends, order from a kosher caterer or meet at a kosher restaurant. Wine is part of many celebrations; observant guests drink only kosher-certified wine.

Where can you buy kosher food in Cyprus?

Larnaca has the most choice: a kosher supermarket (Glatt-Shop) and several kosher restaurants listed by Chabad Cyprus, plus Shabbat and holiday meal delivery around the island. The Chabad houses in Limassol and Paphos provide kosher food for the community. Check Chabad Cyprus for current opening hours.

What foods will you come across?

Hummus, falafel and shakshuka (eggs baked in spicy tomato sauce) are everyday staples, alongside sabich (pitta with fried aubergine, egg and salad) and Israeli salad. Holiday foods include challah (braided Shabbat bread), latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jam doughnuts) at Hanukkah, hamantaschen (triangular biscuits) at Purim, and matzah (unleavened bread) at Passover.

What is Israeli social style like?

Israelis are often direct, a style known as dugri (straight talk). Disagreement is not rudeness, and small talk is usually short. Expect first names, informal dress and generous hospitality: if you are invited for Friday night dinner, it is a warm gesture.

Which greetings are useful?

What should you avoid?

• Political debates. Many people have family in the region; follow their lead and do not raise the conflict uninvited.
• Assumptions. Do not assume someone is religious, Jewish or Israeli, or speak for "all Israelis".
• Clashing dates. Avoid Yom Kippur, Shabbat and major festivals for events with observant friends.
• Unsuitable gifts. Avoid pork-based or non-kosher food for observant friends. Flowers, or sealed kosher-certified sweets or wine, are safe choices.

What to do next

Note the dates in your diary, learn a greeting or two, and ask friends what they observe. For more on local life, see our culture and festivals hub and the events calendar.