Halabi Jewish families come together every Friday night for a Shabbat dinner which are accompanied by rich traditions of prayer and liturgy. All Jewish families celebrate Shabbat, but Aleppan Shabbats differ from other Jewish Shabbats mainly through food and music. Halabi families sing traditional 'Pizmonim', religious Hebrew songs with Middle Eastern melodies, on Shabbat and on other holidays. During holidays such as Rosh Hashanah, Pesach and others, food is often symbolic of the core values of these holidays. For example, dates are often eaten to symbolise a wish for enemies and rivalries to come to an end and pomegranates symbolise lots of 'mitzvot' (good deeds).

Aleppo has always been a centre of trade and craftsmanship. The Jewish artisans and merchants were a key part of the Aleppan charm as well as being extremely important to the city’s economy. The Halabi Jews worked in trades with textiles, dyes, weaving and jewellery. The positioning of Aleppo, on important trade routes, was key to linking the Aleppan merchants to markets around the Middle East. The merchant’s skills and culture passed through families, defining the Aleppan community. Photo: “Syrian artisan Eyman Said in his workshop in the historic souks of Aleppo.” AA. Source: Daily Sabah.

Halabi culture and life have always depended strongly on community rituals. It is thanks to these traditions that the Aleppan Jewish community has been able to remain so strong and united, even after families moved away from Aleppo and settled around the world. Community events such as Brit Milah, Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and funerals bring families together and provide opportunities to continue Halabi customs, including pizmonim (traditional songs), special foods and prayers. These rituals strengthen families and communities, while helping to ensure that Halabi traditions and identity are passed from one generation to the next.