16th Shoreline Jewish Festival

Start: Sunday, August 14, 2022 12:00PM
End: Sunday, August 14, 2022 5:00PM

16th SHORELINE JEWISH FESTIVAL ON GUILFORD GREEN

Guilford, CT--The 16th annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will take place Sunday, August 14, from 12-5 PM on the Guilford Green. The festival features various styles of Jewish music, traditional and Israeli fair food (all kosher), Jewish book sale, vendors and crafters, and children’s crafts and activities.

“The Shoreline Jewish Festival is an annual celebration of Jewish life on the Shoreline,” says Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline and festival coordinator. He adds, “So many people now see it as a not-to-be-missed summer tradition. Last month a parent told us how her child was looking forward to their upcoming vacation in Italy—as long as she didn’t miss the Shoreline Jewish Festival!”

This year’s musical lineup features Peter Himmelman, “the Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall and Yoni Lorber. For families with children, master storyteller Levi Welton will present the story “Shmerel Saves the Village.”

Former Rolling Stone senior editor Parke Puterburgh puts Emmy and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman “on the same plane as Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, and Bruce Springsteen and [he is] nudging his way to ‘Dylanhood.’” Rabbi Yossi Yaffe is excited to have Himmelman as this year’s festival headliner. “He sings from the heart, and his words enter the heart,” Yaffe explains. “Peter’s powerful, spiritual messages resonate deeply with his audience.”

“The Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall, saxophonist and composer, is one of the pioneers of blending jazz with Jewish music. Bill Shoemaker of WIRE calls Wall’s music “alternately soulful and searing.” Wall also serves as a rabbi in Westport, Connecticut. Together with a group of local musicians, Wall regularly performs his eclectic mix of classical and experimental jazz, Eastern European and African American roots music.

Yoni Lorber is a singer, songwriter and musician from Israel who brings inspirational energy and joy to his audiences. Already from a young age, Lorber played with his uncle, the late Yossi Piamenta, a guitar virtuoso known as “the father of Jewish electric guitar rock and roll.” The inspiration continues as Yoni’s original compositions and masterful guitar-playing make him a favorite in the Jewish music world.

Levi Welton weaves masterful storytelling with life messages. Children of all ages will enjoy his presentation of “Shmerel saves the village,” with its messages of caring for one another and finding the hero within ourselves.

Artists and artisans will be selling a variety of Judaica, jewelry, clothing and artwork. Books of Jewish interest for both children and adults will be available for sale. Festivalgoers can choose from a variety of (kosher) fair favorites, including pulled beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel (an Israeli fried chickpea specialty), schwarma grilled chicken, potato knishes, fresh mini donuts, cotton candy, sno-cones and more.

Children’s activities also include inflatable bouncy fun, as well as Jewish-themed arts & crafts projects.

Admission is free. Food, crafts and vendor items are for sale. Sponsorship provided by : Boris Mizhen, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Gladeview Rehab & Health Care in Old Saybrook “Right on the Water,” Guilford Courier, Shoreline TMS & Interventional Psychiatry and Mr. Mathew Evans.

For more information, visit www.ShorelineJewishFestival.com and facebook.com/ShorelineJewishFestival. Take advantage of our “Express Tickets” option: Buy your tickets online before midnight of August 7, and then zoom through the Express line at the festival to pick up your envelope of prepared tickets! Artists can reserve a booth for the day for a fee of $85. To help sponsor this unique event, or to reserve a booth, please contact Rabbi Yaffe at (203) 533-7495 or at chabad@snet.net.

Calendar Listing: 16th Annual Shoreline Jewish Festival -- A celebration of Jewish life! Sunday, August 14, 12-5 PM on the Guilford Green. Jewish music from around the world, children’s programs, Israeli food and other fair favorites. Jewish book sale, artists featuring Judaica & Jewish art, crafts for kids. Admission and entertainment are free. Food, crafts, Judaica and books are for sale. For pictures and more information, visit www.shorelinejewishfestival.com and facebook.com/ShorelineJewishFestival. To reserve a booth, or for anything else, please call (203) 533-7495 or email chabad@snet.net.