“And we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.”
Bay Area Jews will soon be singing that old refrain as their annual version of Woodstock — Israel in the Gardens — returns 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 6 at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens. This year, organizers have brought back many favorite sights, sounds and tastes, while introducing a few new twists.
Sure, the clamor for falafels and other Israeli treats will again be strong. Yes, kids with painted faces will scamper between your legs. And, like last year, the Jews Got Talent competition will wow crowds with amazingly gifted young performers plucked right from local college campuses.
And yes, the headliners — this year it’s T-Slam — will crank up the volume to “11” as a sea of an estimated 20,000 people sways along.
Everything at the 2010 event ties to this year’s theme, “Israel in our lives.”
How so? The bonds between Israel and the Bay Area Jewish community couldn’t be stronger. Hammering home that message this year is the Tzofim Friendship Caravan, 10 Israeli teen Scouts who will entertain the crowds with their upbeat message of solidarity. In addition, Bay Area Jewish day school students will tell what Israel means to them through an exhibit of photos they took while visiting Israel.
And of course, the parade of singers, speakers and cheerleaders on the main stage at Yerba Buena Gardens, not to mention the booths representing scores of local Jewish and Israeli institutions, all speak to an unshakeable alliance.
Not only do many Israelis live in the region, not only do family and friendship ties link the two communities, but many things we have become accustomed to in modern times would not be possible without Israeli innovation. From cell phones to the Internet to life-saving medical technology, Israeli know-how helps powers them all. In fact, the California Israel Chamber of Commerce, based in Palo Alto, will receive a special award from Israel in the Gardens for all the work it has done over the last 10 years.
Israel in the Gardens is not about politics. It’s about fun, food and family. Spend the day: Bring a picnic or nosh on the delectable options offered by vendors. Check out the “shuk” and informational exhibits. Drop by the Contemporary Jewish Museum across Mission Street to view Israeli short films. Continue the fun at the after-party nearby.
For more information on Israel in the Gardens, directions to Yerba Buena Gardens at Mission and Third streets and other details, visit www.sfjcf.org/gardens/2010.