Jewish Cultural Festival

Temple Israel’s Jewish Cultural Festival, set for Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 11:00AM – 6:00PM opens the door to Judaism for all who wish to learn more about our traditions and our faith. In past years, over 2500 people have turned out to enjoy music and stories, learn about rituals, Torah, and holidays, taste brisket and falafel, play games, shop for crafts and Judaica, dance and laugh.  This family-friendly and accessible event is sure to delight everyone who has ever had questions about Judaism or those that simply want to have some fun.  With our friends from all faiths, we enjoy a beautiful day at Temple and learn that we have a lot in common.

The Festival involves more than 150 Temple volunteers, who serve food, perform, lead tours or explain holidays, answer questions, and proudly welcome friends and newcomers to share a Jewish experience.

• Noon – 1:00 p.m.
  Enjoy a meaningful conversation with Rabbi Tina Sobo and Rabbi Karen Bodney-Halasz of Temple Israel.

• 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  Hear Steve Coppel from the Holocaust & Humanities Center, tells the story of his parents, Trudy and Werner Coppel, both Holocaust survivors.

• 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  Explore the rich history of our local Jewish community with Marshall Weiss, editor and publisher of The Dayton Jewish Observer, as he speaks about The Origins of Dayton’s Jewish Community.

ENTERTAINMENT: Non-stop entertainment features Jewish music, humor, dance, and stories.  The outdoor stage will be live with special performances from your local and regional favorites.  All music lovers will enjoy this eclectic mix.

Get ready for a full day of music, dance, and fun!
Our entertainment lineup has something for everyone—don’t miss a moment!

• Noon – Kick things off with the Shimmy Cats and their dazzling dance performance.

• 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. – Enjoy the smooth vocals and soulful sounds of featured performer  Daphna Levy.  Daphna Levy’s appearance at Temple Israel’s Jewish Cultural Festival made possible with the support of a Special Projects Grant funded by Montgomery County and administered by Culture Works.

• 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. – Tap your toes to lively tunes from the Miami Valley Klezmer Ensemble.

• 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. – Soak in the sounds of Mary Rogers as she brings heart and harmony to the stage.

• 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. – Close out the day with a spirited set of Disney favorites.

FOOD AND DRINKS: The Festival menu will showcase the diverse options of foods of the Jewish diaspora – the foods of Jewish communities worldwide.  Partners  include All the Best Deli and Graeter’s Ice Cream.  The Temple bakery, partnering with Ghostlight Bakery, will return with delicious baked goods including rugelach, honey cake, and challah.     We will also have hotdogs for the kids and Dr. Brown’s soda, Coke products and water available for sale.