Taste of the Jewish Cultural Festival

A Taste of Jewish Cultural Festival at Temple Israel creates opportunities for all who wish to learn more about Jewish traditions, history, customs, and faith. In past years, over 2000 people have turned out to enjoy music and stories, learn about rituals, Torah, and holidays, taste brisket, falafel and challah, play games, and learn that we have a lot in common with each other. In 2021 due to Covid-19, we have adapted our festival model in order to preserve the health and safety of attendees, while still providing a meaningful and family-friendly experience for all.

A series of three drive-thru events will take place this spring in April, May and June, each one centering around a specific holiday or aspect of Judaism and will include fresh baked goods available for pre-order. We will proudly welcome people of all faiths to share a Jewish experience with our friends, members, rabbis, and staff.

Here are some of the 2021 highlights:

FOOD:​ The Temple Bakery returns with delicious hamantaschen (April), rugelach (May), and honey cake (June) to tantalize your taste buds and immerse your mouth in the richness of these beloved Jewish desserts. In addition, Evans Bakery will offer challah each month and Zombie Dogz is our food truck partner this month.

VIRTUAL OY VEY 5K & CHAI CHALLENGE: ​Run or walk 5k in the Virtual Oy Vey 5k this June. Or, increase your mileage with the Chai Challenge and complete 18k in June, or for the ultimate endurance feat, register for the Triple Chai Challenge, committing to 18k per month from April – June. Whatever the distance, we will be right there with you (virtually), cheering on your efforts!

EDUCATION: ​Delve into the meaning and history of Jewish holidays, rituals, and traditions at each event. Attendees will discover little known facts about Judaism as well explore the similarities and differences with other faiths. There will even be a chance to ask the rabbi your Jewish question!

CHILDREN: ​Special activity kits with interactive crafts and projects help to share Jewish traditions with our youngest attendees. These to-go boxes will also include a special puzzle to decipher, with pieces to the puzzle distributed at each event.

RAFFLE: To up the ante on the fun, each Taste of the Jewish Cultural Festival event will include a raffle prize package worth over $500. In these prize bundles, you will find some of the best ways to experience Dayton and support your local businesses and vendors, while supporting Temple Israel at the same time.

April’s Taste of Dayton Package (over $500 value), includes 21 gift cards of $20+ to: Basil’s on Market, Bill’s Donuts, Central Perf European Cafe, Cherry House Cafe, Christopher’s Restaurant, Dorothy Lane Market, Fazoli’s, Firehouse Subs, Frisch’s Big Boy, Glo Juice & Cafe, McAlister’s Deli, Meadowlark, O’Charley’s Restaurant, Olive Garden, Pasha Grill, Roosters Wings, Smashburger, Spice Paradise, Stone House Sweets Bakery & Coffee House, Troll Pub, and Wheat Penny

ENTERTAINMENT: ​Hand-selected music will feature Jewish artists in multiple genres. These tunes will be broadcast to your car radio during the event and will feature energetic and spirited performances from some of today’s most popular musicians and bands.

CHARITY PARTNERS: Giving back is important to us at Temple Israel and in April, we are partnering with YWCA. We encourage attendees to bring an item to donate to YWCA from their wish list. What better way to pay homage to Queen Esther from our Purim story (the woman who risked her life to save the Jews), than by lifting up women and children in our community and providing them with the support they need to live courageously and without fear. Learn more abut the YWCA and see what your charitable donation can provide.

CRAFTS & MERCHANDISE:​ Take home a piece or two of the 2021 Taste of the Jewish Cultural Festival. Special festival merchandise will be available for purchase during each drive-thru event to commemorate this unique year.