2011 Santa Barbara Jewish Festival at Oak Park
The Jewish Festival is pleased to welcome award winning and world-renowned juggle, storyteller and comedian, Izzi Tooinsky as the 2011 Master of Ceremonies! Musical entertainment includes Santa Barbara’s own Cantor Mark Childs appearing both with his magnificent Temple band and the Shir Chadash Adult Choir and Youth Choir (including a Debbie Friedman musical tribute), the Ventura Klezmer Band’s Ashkenazi music sung in Yiddish and a rare Sephardic musical offering sung in the ancient tongue of Ladino. Many surprise guests to follow.
The festival will feature the Bubbie & Zadie Talent Show, Birthright Expo through UCSB’s Hillel, an art, essay and poetry contest on “What’s Jewcy about being Jewish”, a community “coming-of-age” ceremony led by Rabbi Arthur Gross-Schaefer for all children 12-14, and a pre-schooler costume parade. Meditation and movement to “Embody the Divine” – Guided by Rabbi Alyson Solomon will also be featured.
Everyone will have an opportunity to “Have your picture taken at the Western Wall” through S.B. Chabad, and of course enjoy great Jewish foods, arts & crafts vendors, Israeli dancing, kids’ activities and more. A 63rd Israel Independence Day ceremony, dedication with elected officials & a silent auction will round out the festivities. The event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara.