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The Miracle Continues!!

Photos courtesy of Mark Goldberg, copyright 2003

     by J. D. Goldsmith, Chairman

Two years ago, the Annapolis Jewish Festival was resurrected under the auspices of the United Jewish Council of Anne Arundel County (UJC-AAC). On Sunday, September 14^th, our community enjoyed another wonderful success, the 8^th Annapolis Jewish Festival, held at the Severna Park High School.

Above left:  Judy Cohen and Dave Greenberg greet visitors and distribute programs.  Above right:  Sol Cooper and Bob Weigert are busy with the fallafels and Kosher hot dogs.  Lower left:  Gail Snyder and her corps of young volunteers.  Lower right:  Children enjoying the crafts at the festival.

Although prepared to have the entire Festival indoors, the delicious falafel, knishes and other delicacies were served outside to take advantage of the beautiful weather. The opening ceremony started with the singing of the American and Israeli national anthems by Tali Katz and finished with motivating comments from Lt Gov Michael Steele. Serving as Master of Ceremonies of the opening ceremony, WNAV’s Larry Goldstein started the Festival with a bang. Our international (no kidding), national and local vendors were amply spread out giving the approximately 2000 visitors a tremendous variety mixed with perfect viewing areas. Meanwhile, the vendors enjoyed a wonderful eclectic crowd from inside and far outside Anne Arundel County. The children had a culturally rich and entertaining experience, visiting the fictional shtetl of Chelm. There they enjoyed stories and made crafts, learning a perspective of the Jewish culture many have already forgotten.

Surrounding the entire Festival was the most wonderful entertainment available anywhere. First was the Klezmer (but jazzier than you’ve ever heard before) group, the Kol Haruach Orchestra. The crowd went crazy, having a thoroughly wonderful time, many dancing the traditional Israeli folk dances. Next was Jon Simon, nationally acclaimed pianist who did his magnificent interpretations of classical Jewish melodies. After some Israeli dancing led by Debbie Wood, the guests were treated to the magnificent harmonies of Calliope. This group of six women performed acoustic and acappella pieces impeccably. For a wonderful finale, Jon Simon again played a number of selections. The Festival attendees were truly treated to a wonderful assortment of sensory delights.

Of course, the 11 member organizations of the UJC-AAC enjoyed some wonderful marketing opportunities. Other non-profit organizations also enjoyed the positive exposure, from the Israeli Embassy to the Jewish Genealogical Society. Putting this operation together was the task of a dedicated committee of just over a dozen volunteers. Amy Handelman arranged the entertainment, while Debbie Wood, also Director of the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, did the Children’s Programming. Bernie Katz arranged publicity, Michael Snyder managed all the finances, Ellery Wolf expertly managed the vendors, Larry Snyder coordinated all logistics, Pam Weigert coordinated the volunteers, Sondee Snyder worked all the food arrangements, Nancy Gordon coordinated the program marketing, Carol Katz arranged and published the Program Book, Earl Diamond coordinated the electronic support and Bob Weigert arranged for insurance and security. This group came from the member organizations across the County and did a magnificent job. Until the 9^th Annapolis Jewish Festival….

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