The Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival gives a big Southern welcome to Savannah this weekend.
Hosted by the historical Congregation Mickve Israel, founded in 1733, this family-friendly event will feature entertainment by the Savannah Philharmonic and Israeli dancing led by Maxine Paterson, along with plenty of tasty Jewish foods and a cupcake decorating station.
More than 20 booths will be serving up Jewish culinary treats like potato latkes, chicken soup with matzo balls, brisket, stuffed cabbage, hummus, egg creams, Israeli fries and He’Brew beer. For dessert, guests can enjoy homemade sweets like challahs, apple strudel, honey cakes and Hamantashen.
“The best thing is to come hungry and try as much as possible,” advises Lauri Taylor, festival chairwoman. “You can also take many of your favorites home. I try to get a little nosh of as much as I can.”
Taylor is joined by Sue Ruby, Joan Levy, Cyndi Kohn and Kerry Rosen as the 2012 festival planning committee. They acknowledge that 20-plus successful years of this festival didn’t happen by accident.
“The success of the festival is due to a lot of hard work and dedication by many volunteers,” Taylor says. “Our volunteers are many members of our congregations and others who want to help because it is so much fun.
“The event is also successful through the generosity of our fabulous sponsors. Our sponsors are also members of the congregation, our Temple vendors, businesses in Savannah and nationwide provide the funds, products and services needed to put on such a great event.”
Being located in Savannah also helps Shalom Y’all thrive.
“Since Savannah is the Hostess City, it is great to be able to share a bit of Jewish culture and food with the community and its guests,” Taylor says.
About 10,000 people typically join in the festivities at Forsyth Park. For more info, visit mickveisrael.org.
IF YOU GO
What: 24th annual Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Forsyth Park
Cost: Free
Info: 912-657-9397