GUILFORD — The fifth annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will be held from noon to 6 p.m. August 1 on the Green.
The festival features various styles of Jewish music, traditional fair food (kosher), an art and book sale, children’s crafts and activities, and information booths from local Jewish organizations, organizers said in a statement.
“The festival celebrates Jewish life and living,” Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline and coordinator of the event, said in the statement. “The music, the food, the entertainment, people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it and have come to regard it as a Shoreline summer tradition.”
This year’s musical lineup features Pey Dalid, the What’s Up Band, the Klezmenschen, the Third Temple Band, and the Robert Rogers Puppet Company, the statement said.
“Pey Dalid blends roots, rock, and reggae with traditional Jewish music to create a unique sound. The band’s upbeat and funky melodies, sung both in English and Hebrew, create an energy that gets the audience up on its feet,” the statement said.
The What’s Up Band plays “Jewish-American Rock n’ Roll” in a dynamic, captivating concert that appeals to all ages. Lead singer is Jeff Richter A.K.A. Bobby DooWah, one of the most popular children’s entertainers in the tri-state area. The What’s Up Band strives to inspire and unite Jewish communities with songs of peace and hope, the statement said.
“Back for a second year is The Klezmenschen, a freylekhe (spirited) big band out of Eastern Connecticut. This talented group of brass, strings and woodwinds—led by Roz Etra--plays lively traditional Yiddish and Israeli folk melodies,” the statement said,
“The Third Temple Band weaves a compelling form of musical prayer that speaks to the soul. They play original compositions, adaptations to traditional liturgy, nigunnim (wordless melodies) and Hebrew chants. Richard Gans (piano and lead vocals) leads this group of young musicians, and special guest performer Mike Michaels will join on guitar, vocals and harmonica,” the statement said.
The Robert Rogers Puppet Company will perform stories from the Jewish tradition, holidays and history. “Audiences of all ages delight in these string, hand and rod puppets and the extraordinary way they are brought to life,” the statement said.
Israeli and local artists and artisans will be selling a variety of Judaica, jewelry, art work and unique Israeli products. Books, videos and games of Jewish interest for both children and adults will be available for sale. Festival-goers will be able to choose from a variety of (kosher) fair favorites, including hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel (an Israeli specialty), chicken, knishes, cotton candy, sno cones, and more. Kids will enjoy moonbounces and a variety of themed arts and crafts projects. The program also includes shofar-making presentations, with opportunities to make your own ram’s horn in honor of the upcoming Jewish New Year.
Admission is free and there will be food, crafts, and vendor items are for sale. Boris Mizhen is a primary festival sponsor, the statement said.. Additional sponsorship is provided by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, the Guilford Savings Bank and Stop & Shop Supermarkets.
For more information, visit www.jewishoreline.org. Artists can reserve a booth for the day for a fee of $85. To help sponsor this unique event, or to reserve a booth, contact Janice Dipollina at (203) 453-5580 or jdchabad@snet.net, or Rabbi Yaffe at chabad@snet.net.

Editor's note: The information in this post was wholly provided by Chabad of the Shoreline