By David Kaufmann
In sports they call a surprise winner a “sleeper” – the team that came out of “nowhere” and wins. But you can only be a “sleeper” once, because then everyone’s expecting your “A” game.
The Jewish Summer Festival may have been a “sleeper” last year, but after the huge turnout and tremendous success, everyone was expecting the JSF to repeat.
With anticipation so high, hundreds of people were counting the days, wondering what would be new, different and unexpected this year.
The weather for one. The Jewish Summer Festival (JSF) was originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 16th. That date was circled on calendars up and down Suffolk County for weeks beforehand. Then it rained on Sunday, the 14th. It rained on Monday, the 15th. It even rained into Tuesday the 16th.
But Rabbi Motti Grossbaum of Chabad at Stony Brook and his staff had a backup and a great game plan. Wednesday, August 17th had been penciled in originally as the “rain date” – and so it was. Beautiful weather for a beautiful event, made even more beautiful and special by the larger than expected (and a huge crowd was expected) turnout. Apparently everyone wanted the Jewish Summer Festival with their sunshine.
And that’s just what they got, since the JSF was held at West Meadow Beach in East Setauket, overlooking the water. The event closing was accompanied by a stunning sunset.
It’s hard, actually it’s impossible, to capture in words the atmosphere, the emotions, the excitement, the sense of community, unity and Jewish pride that permeated every aspect and angle of the Festival. All I can do is give you a summary and share with you some pictures. If you were there, you can relive the event; if not you can experience it retroactively and virtually – until next year!
Town Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld began the festivities when he brought greetings on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven in support to the Jewish community.
The Jewish Summer Festival featured live music by the popular Jewish folk-rock group from NYC, The Moshe Hecht Band. When they played their newly released single “Believers,” it not only “rocked the house,” it “rocked the island!”
There was more live entertainment: The BMX Bike Show was a thrill-a-minute spectacular of breathtaking ramp flips and eye-popping stunts. Imagine a roller coaster and air show combined, but on wheels!
Of course, the food was what you’d expect at a Summer Festival: delicious kosher barbecue, hot dogs, burgers, salads, donuts, ice cold drinks, knishes – a gastronomical extravaganza!
The Jewish Summer Festival was geared to people of all ages, from the youngest children to our most honored senior citizens. There were booths and activities for one and all. Depending on one’s age and energy, one can indulge in (or watch) the dunk tank, face painting, a Bounce House and Slide, a Judaica Fair (wonderful crafts), etc. The JSF Event Giveaway was practical and artistic: An orange JSF tote bag. Many put it to immediate use for their beach and picnic gear.
At the event Rabbi Grossbaum spoke briefly about the beauty of family and friends getting together, how important is the multi-generational joy and appreciation. “JSF is a celebration of unity, of community, of the ultimate value of life shared together as family and as Jews.”
He also thank thanked the event sponsors – and they deserve tremendous credit! – and all the volunteers who helped make the event a success, and oy, such a success!
After the last two years, it’s safe to say that the reputation of The Jewish Summer Festival on Long Island is assured. We’ll take a breather and then, like all the participants, begin anticipating JSF 2012!
For more information, visit ChabadSB.com
Moishy, it’s you on the bike!?
Looks like a great event!
moshe hecht is the best 🙂
How do i get in touch with Moshe Hecht for a concert?!
this is so fun
Keep it up!!
niiiiice!
anonymous2