The Jewish Cultural Festival returns to Temple Israel on Sunday, June 7 from 11am to 7pm . The entire community, both Jewish and non-‐Jewish, is invited to share traditions and learn about the Jewish faith. Temple Israel is proud to be the largest Reform congregation in greater Dayton. Their religious, cultural, educational, social and social action programs build on the legacy of those who have come before with innovations guaranteed to create a fulfilling and vibrant future for the congregation. The festival has expanded this year to include additional entertainment for listening and viewing pleasure, an Israeli-‐themed petting zoo, education sessions, and the Inaugural “Oy Vey 5k Run/Walk.”
Highlights of the event:
Learning: Lively and interactive education topics will center around specific aspects of Jewish culture, including food and cooking, Jewish athletes, Israeli responses to terrorism, unique and interesting Jewish ritual objects, and what it means to be a Jew. There will also be opportunities to learn about going “green” and supporting our environment.
Registry: Special this year is an interfaith and outreach effort with the Gift of Life bone marrow registry. The festival’s Mitzvah Alley will focus on the Gift of Life bone marrow registry and other interfaith outreach efforts and successes.
Entertainment: Main stage entertainment will showcase great music and dance, featuring folk, rock, klezmer,
Broadway music of Jewish songwriters and performers, and Israeli folk dancing. The music headliner is the Cincinnati Klezmer Project and our dance headliner is the Shimmy Cats Dance Troupe. Check out our entertainment page for the complete schedule.
Arts: An open-‐air market full of local artisans and entrepreneurs will have Jewish and Israeli arts and crafts for purchase.
Food: El Meson, Pasha Grill, Smokin’ Bar-‐B-‐Que, and Bernstein’s Catering will please the palates with Jewish foods in the style of their own menus, including falafel, brisket, hummus, Jewish deli, and some vegetarian twists on authentic cuisine. Our bakery will supply the challah, rugellah, honey cake, hamantaschen, mandel bread, and Passover brownies. Graeter’s Ice Cream can also complete your meal with one of their delicious (kosher) flavors!
Drinks: What could be better…for adults…than a cold kosher craft beer on a hot afternoon? Patrons can sample hand-‐selected brews direct from Schmalz Brewing Company, including He’Brew, Madtree, and Ace. For non-‐drinkers, an assortment of Dr. Brown’s sodas, a favorite in Jewish delicatessens, will be on hand.
Kids: Kids will have a hands-‐on experience at our Israeli-‐themed petting zoo, including a camel! Other crafts and activities about the state of Israel will be available.
