When members of Congregation Shir Shalom began looking for places to hang posters advertising the first Sonoma Jewish Music & Art Festival, they encountered Jews — even the owner of a local bagel shop — who didn’t even know the congregation existed.
They’re hoping the Oct. 19 festival opens many eyes.
“This festival is something of a coming-out party for Congregation Shir Shalom,” said David Schoenbach, a member of the 12-year-old synagogue and one of the coordinators of the festival.
Added Shir Shalom Rabbi Jack Gabriel, “There are thousands of Jews in Sonoma and Napa who are just below the surface, in the woodwork of the community.” And while he praised those people for actively making those counties “really cool places,” he noted that they are not comparably connected to Jewish life.
“This event is a way for them to see that synagogue life is not just about praying,” Gabriel said. “It’s about camaraderie … I’d love them to connect with their Jewish family in a bigger way.”
Shir Shalom is a Reform congregation located in the city of Sonoma. Founded in 1996 with 78 households, the congregation didn’t get a full-time rabbi until last year.
That rabbi, Gabriel, also happens to be a veteran musician who has cut albums with Columbia Records, won a Juno Award (a Canadian Grammy) and sung on four records with Kermit the Frog.
His background helped during the planning stages of the Sonoma Jewish Music & Art Festival, which will showcase Jewish artists, musicians and culture. Synagogue members hope to make it an annual affair.
The free, outdoor festival, which will start at 1 p.m., will feature arts and crafts by 18 local Jewish artists, with entertainment provided by the Red Hot Chachkas, magician Tobias Weinberger and others.
Also, there will be plenty of Jewish, Middle Eastern and other foods available.
At 6:30 p.m., a concert at Burlingame Hall will feature performances by the Stephanie Ozer jazz ensemble and the women’s a cappella ensemble Vocolot … and none other than Rabbi Jack Gabriel, with Rebbe or Not. Tickets for the evening concert cost $12 to $30.
All of the musicians — and the magician — are Jewish and from the greater Bay Area. Most are from Sonoma; some are members of the synagogue, such as Ozer.
“We knew we had that talent within the congregation,” said Jeanette Newman, a member of Shir Shalom.
Gabriel and other event coordinators hope the festival not only raises the profile of the small congregation, but also helps grow its membership, which is currently at about 110 households.
“We’re not striving to become a congregation with 600 families,” Gabriel said. “We still believe small is beautiful. But tiny is difficult.”
Sonoma Jewish Music & Art Festival starts at 1 p.m. Oct. 19 at Congregation Shir Shalom, 252 West Spain St., Sonoma. Tickets: Readers’ Books, 130 East Napa St., Sonoma; Pharmaca, 303 West Napa St., Sonoma; or www.shir-shalom.org/festival. Information: (707) 935-3636.