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photo courtesy of J. D. Goldsmith

It may not be appropriate for the local dreidels, but there’s no doubt that the 7^th Annapolis Jewish Festival was a raving success, far more so than any of us dared to imagine. So how does this qualify for a miracle? Try this:

1. Attendance of approximately 2500, more than twice what was expected (click here for more photos).
2. Members from all ten organizations of the United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County planned, organized and operated this Festival.
3. This Festival brought in enough money between admission, food/ride proceeds, and donations (big time!) that improvements to future Festivals can certainly be made and seed money from the three congregations will no longer be necessary.
4. United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County has arrived as the true umbrella organization for all Jews of the community to come together.

Food was fantastic, entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by all, rides and games were a blast. Vendors enjoyed great success in selling their wares and members of the UJC-AAC had a wonderful opportunity to advertise themselves to thousands. McGruff the Crime-fighting dog kept the bad guys away while the Oriole mascot showed the winning side of our favorite baseball team. Certainly the weather could not have been any nicer although some complained it was a little hot – oy!! When the kids weren’t having fun with oversized animals, rides, games, and entertainment, they were getting their faces painted or making beautiful crafts, the latter in the theme of upcoming Rosh Hashanah. Even "The Baltimore Jewish Times" and "The Washington Times" were there supporting the Festival and showing what they can do for us.

When the UJC-AAC was reestablished a few years ago, all the organizational representatives agreed a worthy goal would be to have a Jewish Festival sponsored by the UJC. The first six Festivals (1989-94) were sponsored by Congregation Kneseth Israel. The UJC leaders knew the importance of bringing this valuable vision forward with the whole Jewish community as participants on the operating AND participating side. A tremendous amount of the credit for the success of this Festival belongs to Michael Snyder who chaired this event, bringing it back to reality, and worked countless hours doing much of the work and coordination. Without Mike’s leadership, this Festival was not going to happen -- the community is very grateful. Ellery Wolf did an unbelievable job arranging for and organizing the vendors and exhibitors. Paul Foer led the public relationshion blitz which was helped tremendously by Jennifer Mizrahi’s marketing genius and fund-raising strengths. Glenn Carr’s publishing and management of the UJC web page was critical to the marketing effort. Larry Snyder was the man behind the signs, much of the organization, set-up manpower, and countless other details. Sonja Feldman was once again the artist to design the memorable Festival logo. Bruce Goldman was the original game organizer and another manpower gatherer. Earl Diamond worked the PA system and Art Torf ensured the JWV showed our colors while Tali Katz provided the ultimate class act with her singing of the "Star Spangled Banner" and "Hatikvah." Rabbis Klensin and Hoffman provided the compass direction of the importance of this High Holiday season and the community celebration. Critically important was the Naval Academy whose Rabbi Elson ensured Kashrut conditions while 11 midshipmen helped all day long in critical areas throughout the Festival. There were countless "volunteers" dragged into service during the Festival due to not enough previously arranged for volunteers for the crowd size – thank you so much to all. To all those volunteers, arranged beforehand and at the last minute, those who put signs up in stores all over the county and beyond and those who did the story-reading, food prep, money tending, ticket collecting, etc., etc. – thank you, thank you, thank you. Again, let us all be proud of our community’s accomplishment – thank you to all, especially, Mike Snyder for driving AND pushing the train.

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