For the past ten plus months, Jewish communities have looked for meaningful ways to connect with other Jews and allies. War and conflict have left us feeling isolated and alone. Throughout this period of despair and hope, United Jewish Federation has continued to look for opportunities for our diverse community to gather in solidarity and in joy. And with this in mind, the Jewish Festival of Fairfield County was born.
Along with UJA-JCC Greenwich, United Jewish Federation looks to bring the community together and celebrate the joys of being part of the Jewish people. Please join the community on Sunday, September 29, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the Loading Dock, 375 Fairfield Avenue in Stamford, to celebrate being Jewish. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
Performing on the mainstage at 5:00 pm is Kosha Dillz, aka Rami Even-Esh. He has been rapping since 1999 at the age of 17 and has used his strong Jewish and Israeli identity to stand up against antisemitism and support Israel. Along with Snoop Dogg and Drake, Kosha has a playable character in the basketball video game NBA 2K11. His song “Cellular Phone” was featured in a Bud Light commercial that debuted in 2012 during Super Bowl XLVI. In 2022, the Jewish Journal named Dillz one of “The Top 10 Jewish Reality TV Stars of All Time.” In 2023, days after the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Dillz released a new single, “Bring the Family Home”, where he denounces antisemitism and calls for a return of hostages.
Children participating in the event will be entertained in the “kids’ room” by Magic Al. The Jewish Festival will also feature The Shul Band, the house band for the Shul of New York, a progressive Jewish congregation based on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Along with playing Jewish liturgical and devotional music twice a month at services The Shul Band regularly performs concerts, private events, and parties in NYC and beyond.
In addition, there will be a photo booth, crafts, face painting, tattoos and more. A DJ with motivational dancers and giveaways will unite the crowd for a “We Will Dance Again” dance party. The dedicated Festival website will be updated as more activities and performers are secured. Registration and updated information can be found at www.jewishfestivaloffairfieldcounty.com or by registering directly on the UJF website. General admission is $18 per person, $54 max for immediate family until Sept. 12. Beginning Sept. 13, admission will be $25 per person, $75 max for immediate family. There will be no charge for children 2 and under. For more information, please contact dianesloyer@ujf.org.
This article appears in the September '24 issue of The New Jewish Voice. To receive The New Jewish Voice delivered free to your home, sign-up today at www.ujf.org.