A Tradition We Are Happy to Continue

For over 30 successful years, the OC Jewish Arts Festival at the Merage JCC has provided our community with a cultural extravaganza, featuring lauded lineups of authors, musicians, filmmakers, celebrities, chefs and influencers. We've played host to Matisyahu, Idan Raichel, Rami Kleinstein, Dennis Ross, Capitol Steps, Tovah Feldshuh, Ed Asner, Rita Rudner, Joe Mantegna, Adeena Sussman, Michael Solomonov and Jake Cohen - just to name a few! From history to mystery, fact to fiction, politics to religion, and humor to political satire, The OC Jewish Arts Festival's exceptional repertoire has something to offer to all arts lovers.

Schedule of Events:

November 4, 2024:

10:00 am: Ilan Evyatar: Target Tehran
Presented by News & Views

Yonah Bob and Ilan Evyatar tell the remarkable story of how Israel is using sabotage, assassination, cyberwar-and diplomacy-to thwart Iran's development of nuclear weapons and, in the process, reshape the Middle East.

Ilan Evyatar is a former editor-in-chief of the award-winning magazine The Jerusalem Report, and a former news director, columnist, and senior contributor at The Jerusalem Post. Born in Israel and raised in London, England, he has interviewed a wide variety of top intelligence officials, as well as leading political, business, and cultural personalities.

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November 6, 2024:

7:00 pm: Racism and Antisemitism: Historical Roots and Future Impact

Conversation with distinguished panelists Dr. Clarence B. Jones and Dr. Yehudah Pryce
Moderated by Lisa Armony

Join us for an insightful discussion featuring experts exploring the intersections of antisemitism and racism. Our distinguish panelists will examine historical struggles, current challenges, and pathways toward a more equitable and peaceful future.

Dr. Clarence B. Jones served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from 1960 until Dr. King's assassination. Vanity Fair called him the man who kept King's secrets; Dr. Jones was privy to Reverend King's decision-making processes and political struggles.

Dr. Yehudah Pryce was a gangster by choice, eventually making the decision to become a Jew by choice, a choice born within the confines of prison. He speaks at shuls across the country about his journey from juvenile delinquency to Judaism and standing up against antisemitism.

Lisa Armony is the executive director of Hillel International's Campus Climate Initiative, where she partners with college and university administrators to create a positive, affirming campus climate in which Jewish students feel comfortable expressing their identities and values, free from antisemitism, harassment, and marginalization.

For more information please contact Nicole Rosenson at: [email protected]

Arrangements for the appearance of Dr. Clarence B. Jones made through UTA Speakers, New York, NY.

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November 9, 2024:

7:00 pm: Capitol Fools

When Washington, D.C.'s premiere political satire group The Capitol Steps called it quits after nearly 40 years, most people would agree that it was a good run, and that the story would end there. But, an intrepid group of cast members and a co-writer couldn't conceive a world without musical, political satire, and just like that Capitol Fools were born.

Capitol Fools hold up a mirror to our crazy political culture, providing hilarious song parodies and foolish reflections that inspire belly-laughter as both sides of the aisle get skewered. Cast members from past seasons of The Capitol Steps perform all the beloved bits, the mind boggling backward talking spoonerisms, break-neck costume changes, over-the-top impressions, and new song parodies reflecting the day's news.

The spirit, irreverence and D.N.A. of The Capitol Steps lives on with Capitol Fools!

VIP includes premium seats and post-event reception.

For more information please contact Nicole Rosenson at [email protected].

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November 10, 2024:

11:00 am: Lifelong Learning Luncheon: Professor Emeritus S. Ilan Troen

Israel/Palestine in World Religions
Whose Promised Land?

The book offers an insightful exploration into the deep-rooted conflict over one of the world's most sacred territories. It transcends mere political rivalry, highlighting how the battle involves profound religious stakes for Jews, Muslims, and Christians around the globe. Discover why the quest for a Jewish state's recognition has not only endured but thrived despite fierce resistance.

S. Ilan Troen is Professor Emeritus of Modern History, at Ben-Gurion University, and Professor Emeritus in Israel Studies, at Brandeis University. Professor Troen's daughter and her husband were murdered on October 7. His grandson survived the massacre.

Collaborative project of Merage JCC and Congregation Shir Ha-Ma'alot. This program is partially funded by a grant from the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County.

Advanced registration required by November 4.

11 A.M: Lunch
12 P.M: Program

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November 12, 2024:

10:00 am: Talia Carner: The Boy with the Star Tattoo
Presented by Books & Bagels

Discover the stories of Jewish children hidden in Christian homes during the Holocaust and Israel's Youth Aliyah mission to rescue them. From acclaimed author of The Third Daughter comes an epic historical novel of ingenuity and courage, of love and loss, spanning postwar France when Israeli agents roamed the countryside to rescue hidden Jewish orphans—to the 1969 daring escape of the Israeli boats of Cherbourg.

Talia Carner is an Israeli born and New York based award-winning author of six historical and psychological suspense novels. Her novels bring to the forefront indignities and unexplored historical events. Formerly the publisher of Savvy Women magazine, she is an international lecturer on women's issues and supports Israel.

Virtual appearance by author and participants in person.

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7:00 pm: Colleyville - Film
Documentary, 80 minutes

On January 15, 2022 in the safe haven of Colleyville, Texas, Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker and three others find themselves hostages when a stranger disrupts a typical Sunday morning at Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue.

Directed by award-winning flimmaker Dani Menkin, (On the Map, Picture of His Life, Little Town) this gripping real-life drama unfolds over an 11-hour standoff, testing the hostages' resilience and courage in unimaginable ways. This international event captured the world's attention live on TV and Menkin was able to utilize the 11 harrowing hours of footage-much of it previously unreleased-along with reflective interviews with the hostages and their families, to tell the story of the crisis, providing a unique perspective on the ordeal.

Screening followed by Q&A with filmmaker Dani Menkin.

For more information, please contact Nicole Rosenson at [email protected].

Register Here

November 13, 2024:

7:00 pm: Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook
Zahav Home

Professional chefs manage to make whipping up rich four-course meals with complex sauces, amazing garnishes and decadent desserts seem easy. But even for them, cooking at home for their families, night after night, isn't so simple. What will the kids actually eat with no complaint? Do I have the ingredients I need? Can I come up with a full dinner that won't take another two hours out of my day?

Award winning chefs and bestselling authors of the James Beard Award-winning Zahav, Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook get it; they both have children at home, run six restaurants and write books. They have now created a new cookbook, Zahav Home, filled with the tips and recipes they use themselves that will help take the stress out of your dinner conundrums without sacrificing the wow factor.

Michael Solomonov and Steven Cook are co-owners of the trailblazing Philadelphia-based hospitality group, CookNSolo Restaurants, and beloved stewards of Israel's extraordinarily diverse culinary landscape. Together, they have been awarded three James Beard Foundation Awards, with Michael awarded two additional Beard Awards for his work as Chef of Zahav, including 2017 "Outstanding Chef.” Zahav is their flagship restaurant that is widely recognized for celebrating the multitudes within Israeli cuisine in the U.S., and around the world.

The duo have also co-authored three highly acclaimed cookbooks - Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking (a two-time James Beard Award winner), Federal Donuts: The (Partially) True Spectacular Story, and Israeli Soul: Easy, Essential, Delicious.

Join us for a delicious dinner featuring recipes from Zahav Home, followed by a cooking demo and Q&A. Cookbooks will be available for purchase at the event.

VIP: includes event ticket, signed cookbook, and pre-event reception with the authors at 6 P.M.

Israeli wine flights will be available for purchase at the event for $18.

For more information, contact Liron Regev at [email protected].

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November 16, 2024:

7:00 pm: Yaniv - Film
Comedy, 85 Minutes
Orange County Premiere

A high school teacher in the Bronx loses funding for the school musical and convinces his fellow teacher-secretly a recovering gambling addict—to help him cheat at an underground card game called Yaniv run by the Hasidic Jewish community. The plan goes awry with mounting consequences, but help comes at an unexpected time from the least likely people.

YANIV is a madcap and absurd comedy that unpacks Jewish identity, male friendship, and public education, all in one lighthearted package.

Please join us after the screening for a Yaniv Cardgame Social, Q&A with director and actors, and a delicious deli spread catered by Blueberry Hill Caterers.

RSVP to Nicole Rosenson at [email protected] to participate in the Card Game Social.

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November 17, 2024:

10:30 am: Rick Recht in Concert

Join us for a special fun, interactive family concert featuring popular Jewish rocker Rick Recht who will bring his unique brand of high-energy Jewish rock music to the J. Experience the magic of Jewish music in the spirit of togetherness and community celebration and get ready to rock!

Rick Recht is one of the most influential and celebrated Jewish artists and leaders of our time. His innovations in Jewish music, media, and leadership training have had a profound impact on the fabric of Jewish life.

Recht is the national celebrity spokesman for PJ Library and the founder and Executive Director of Songleader Boot Camp - a premiere national leadership training conference. Recht is the founder and Executive Director of Jewish Rock Radio and JKids Radio, the first high-caliber, 24/7 international Jewish music radio networks.

In partnership with PJ Library of Jewish Federation of Orange County.

For more information please contact Nicole Rosenson at: [email protected].

Register Here

November 18, 2024:

7:00 pm: Breath Taking: A Memoir of Family, Dreams, and Broken Genes
Jessica Fein

At the age of five, Jessica Fein's daughter Dalia was diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease that would claim her life at 17. Before that moment came, and inspired by Dalia's irrepressible spirit, Fein and her family decided to discover how to live in the present when the future can't be fixed.

Jessica Fein, a former op-ed columnist for The Boston Globe, is a seasoned media contributor. She balances motherhood, writing, podcasting, and advocacy with her work as a senior marketing executive and serves on the board of MitoAction, the Mitochondrial disease action committee.

For more information please contact Nicole Rosenson at: [email protected].

Register Here

November 23, 2024:

7:00 pm: An Evening with Modi

Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling. Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.

VIP includes premium seats and post-event reception.

Arrangements for the appearance of Modi made through UTA Speakers, New York, NY.

Ticketing for this event is done through a third party ticketing service.

For more information please contact Nicole Rosenson at [email protected].

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Dates: November 4 - 23, 2024

Location:

Merage Jewish Community Center,
1 Federation Way,
Irvine, CA 92603.

Click here for more information