May 15 – August 6, 2024
Join us for a vibrant celebration of Israeli arts and culture! Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Israeli creativity through a series of safe community events designed for all ages and interests. From captivating performances to thought-provoking film, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Delight your taste buds with a food tasting featuring authentic flavors, or explore family-friendly activities that promise fun and excitement. Be inspired by visiting artists and delve into the visual journey of a captivating photo exhibit. Come and experience the magic as we bring a taste of Israel right to the JCC!
Knock Knock, a theatre production
May 15 | 7 p.m.
Shapira Foundation Auditorium at the Trager Family JCC
How would you raise your child if you knew that one day their turn will come to hold a rifle?
Knock Knock describes what it’s like to be a parent in the shadow of armed conflict. The play follows the journey of Ilana, a single mother whose job as an Israeli Officer of Casualty Notifications is to knock on the door of families whose children have been lost in war. Her conflict between motherhood and duty reaches a deafening climax when her only son chooses to serve on the front line of battle. This heartful story, portrayed through drama and comedy entirely by Niv Petel, evokes an emotionally rich narrative describing the internal conflict among families when they are faced with the call of war.
Join us for this special performance and post-show Q&A with the performer.
Tickets: $18
Tickets required. In light of the tragic events in Israel, ticket-sale proceeds from Knock Knock will be donated to support trauma and relief efforts in the Western Galilee, Israel.
If you’re interested in information about a student workshop with Niv Petel on May 14, please contact Erin Silliman via email.
PJ Library & Partnership2gether
May 19 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A pop-up event with Musikgarten, a music class with Cathy Dreszer, P2G Zoom Event, pizza and swimming for current PJ Library families only.
Families are welcome to come for the Partnership 2Gether event, or the whole thing!
Understanding Israel: Learn the Backstory
May 21 | 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
A webinar series presented by Israel Educator and Guide, Muki
A tour of Jerusalem
Jerusalem looms large in the imagination of Jews, Christians and Muslims. This session will take a tour of the important sights in Jerusalem, from the comfort of your chair.
Dayan Family Concert
May 21 | 1-2 p.m.
Celebrate Israel’s 76th birthday with 76 years of Israeli music!
Avi, Shuli & Moshe Dayan are professional musicians with deep experience performing around the world. Leveraging their popularity on the Israeli music scene and their experience performing at multiple Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations, a tour across the United States and Europe is in progress.
This show includes the best of Israeli music through the generations. The song lyrics are projected in English -no Hebrew required!
This is a community event, but RSVP’s will be required to attend.
The israeli family festival
June 2 | 2-4 p.m.
Please join us for Israeli crafts, music, storytelling, candle making, Dead Sea mud station, face painting, bounce house and more! The festival will take place in the Shapira Foundation Auditorium at the Trager Family JCC.
This is a community event, but RSVP’s will be required to attend.
visiting artist : Moshe monzon
June 2 – June 5 | Weisberg Family Lobby
Husband and wife duo, Moshe and Goldie Monzon will be visiting for several days to share jewelry (made by them as well as other artists in Israel), paintings, mezzuzot, kippot and more. The Monzons visit twice a year and bring a wealth of knowledge about art and craftsmanship in Israel. Join us as they share insights and stories, offering a glimpse into the creativity and traditions that shape their creations.
Israeli Film: THIS is sodom
June 6 | 7 p.m.
Trager Family JCC
Please join us for a special showing of an Israeli comedy: This Is Sodom, featuring bite-sized Israeli cuisine from Chef Helen Impellizzeri!
Is it true that the Righteous suffer and the Evil prosper? Does God even care? In the biblical comedy, “THIS IS SODOM”, we relive the last week in the annals of history’s most infamous City of Sin, as the people of Sodom prove that the best way to survive is to screw everyone else!
This event is FREE, but requires an RSVP for entry.
Israel Through Our Eyes is a curated exhibition of photographs of Israel that is open to submissions from anyone in the Louisville community 16 years or older. The exhibit is designed to foster an appreciation of Israel and reflect on the connections we make when we visit the Jewish homeland.
Community members are invited to share up to 5 of their favorite photos of Israel, including up to 3 sentences of a description, title, or story of why it is special or meaningful to them for a chance to win a PRIZE!
Click here for details about submission requirements, prizes and deadlines.
Kohn-Berman Endowment for the Arts Fund
Irving Klempner Jewish Cultural Arts Fund
Leon T. & Ursel Eichengreen Fuchs Music Fund Music Fund
Dr. Louis & Bea Brownstein Ringol Performing Artist Fund Performing Artists Fund
Arthur David Kreitman Jewish Performing Arts Fund
Murrel D. and Tobie Marks Klein Jewish Holidays Fund
Annette Simon Sagerman Special Events Fund