The ninth annual Jewish Cultural Festival returns to Temple Israel on Sunday, June 2 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 130 Riverside Drive across the river from Fifth-Third Field, near downtown. The entire community – both Jewish and non-Jewish – is invited to join the free, family-friendly festival celebrating Jewish music, art, food and ritual.
“We’re always excited to share Jewish culture and traditions with the Miami Valley each year,” said festival chair Bonni Buchanan. “With plenty of family fun, delicious food, great music and inspirational speakers, this is a festival you don’t want to miss!”
Non-stop entertainment
Festival attendees will enjoy an eclectic mix of live dance and music performances, including traditional Israeli and belly dancing, Eastern European Jewish folk music, contemporary Jewish rock and blues, as well as popular tunes performed by the Dayton Jewish Chorale and the Miami Valley Music Men.
Photo Credit: Temple Isreal
A Jewish culinary journey
Bernstein’s Catering will serve up traditional Jewish foods including corned beef, pastrami, noodle kugel, and kosher hot dogs, while popular Miami Valley eateries Bella Sorella Pizza, El Meson and Pasha Grill offer festival favorites like falafel and arepas, and put a unique spin on classic Jewish recipes. Festivalgoers can stop by Temple Israel’s bakery to satisfy their sweet tooth with delicious homemade treats including challah, rugelach, cookies and honey cake. For the craft beer fans, an assortment of hand-selected brews from the Dayton Beer Company will be available for purchase, plus ice-cold Dr. Brown’s sodas, a staple in Jewish delicatessens around the country.
Photo Credit: Temple Isreal
Kid-friendly activities
Children of all ages can meet and learn about animals up-close at the festival’s educational petting zoo. For added fun, kids can climb the 18-foot tall inflatable Mt. Masada slide and express their creativity with crafts and activities.
Photo Credit: Temple Isreal
Culture & traditions
Throughout the day, a series of interactive presentations will be held in Temple Israel’s sanctuary, where local and national speakers will share Jewish stories, traditions, and history. A lively open-air Shuk (market) will offer a mix of crafts and artwork by Jewish, Israeli and non-Jewish artisans including jewelry, clothing, pottery and other handmade items.
Photo Credit: Temple Isreal
Oy Vey 5K Run/Walk
The annual Oy Vey 5k starts at 10:30 a.m. Open to runners and walkers alike, the course boasts beautiful views of Downtown Dayton and the Stillwater River. Top male and female finishers will each receive a $100 cash prize and all participants will receive a finisher medal and tickets valued at $5 to use at the event for food or drinks.
To learn more about the ninth annual Jewish Cultural Festival, please visit http://tidayton.org/festival.
About Temple Israel
With a rich tradition that spans more than 150 years, Temple Israel is proud to be the largest Reform congregation in greater Dayton. Our 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. For more information, visit www.tidayton.org.
Photo Credit: Temple Isreal
