The city of Beverly Hills and its Community Services Department will host a series of celebratory events throughout May in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Established in 2006, this month-long observance recognizes and celebrates the significant contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the history, culture and society of the United States.
“Jewish American Heritage Month holds a special significance for our community, and for me personally,” said Mayor Sharona Nazarian. “As a Persian Jew who immigrated to the United States from Iran, I am living the American Dream. I have been fortunate to pursue higher education, earn a professional degree and lead the city of Beverly Hills as Mayor. I am not alone. Jews from around the world have made the United States their home, and a significant Jewish population reside in Beverly Hills. Jewish Americans are making remarkable contributions to the history and culture in our city, enriching it in so many ways.”
The JAHM Kickoff Celebration takes place at the Beverly Hills Farmers’ Market on May 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Festivities will include a Rugelach Baking Contest and Gondi/Matzo Ball Soup Contest, hands-on tzedakah-box making hosted by the Skirball Cultural Center, a stop-motion animation workshop with artists Joanna Neborsky and Patricia Luna, and a family-friendly klezmer set with fan-favorites, Mostly Kosher. Entry application for the Rugelach and Gondi/Matzo Ball Soup contests are available online at www.beverlyhills.org/csevents.
Additional events throughout the month include:
Jewish Tales of Wonder, Wit and Wisdom with Karen Golden
May 15 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Beverly Hills Public Library
Storyteller Karen Golden weaves tales, both old and new, for the young and young at heart.
Lebensraum—A Staged Reading Presented by West Coast Jewish Theatre
May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Greystone Theatre at Greystone Mansion & Gardens
An evening of compelling performances that reflect Jewish themes and cultural narratives.
The Jewish American Foodie: A Conversation
May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Municipal Gallery, Beverly Hills City Hall
Restaurateur Harry Posner, food writer Tannaz Sassooni and Good Food producer Elina Shatkin take part in a conversation exploring the flavors of Iranian-American cuisine and its cultural significance in Southern California.
In addition to these events, a series of films will be shown each Thursday in May at 1 p.m. at Roxbury Park Community Center about stories that explore Jewish themes and cultures, offering a cinematic celebration of heritage.
