“We wanted to have people become aware of the range of artistic talents in the Bay Area,” said Berkeley resident and artist Nancy Katz. “Often those of us who sell our work are separated from everyone else. This time it’s very integrated.”
The centerpiece for the event will be an extended havdallah ceremony, led by several rabbis. The first 300 attendees will receive a braided havdallah candle.
Activities, lasting until midnight, include teen disco, Israeli dancing, contemporary Jewish music, kosher food, teen theater and a lecture on East Bay Jewish history.
Event co-chair David Cooper hopes the celebration will remain a winter tradition.
“We wanted to have a chance to give our kids the memory of celebrating and having fun together with people who are Orthodox to Reform to Renewal. Many other communities don’t have that,” said Cooper, who is co-owner of Afikomen Jewish Books, one of the sponsors.
Jamie Hyams, the federation’s programs director and the organizer of the event, said, “It’s really powerful to hear 1,500 people sing blessings together. People love seeing the diversity of the community.”