The Alpert Jewish Community Center will host its free Chanukah Festival: A Celebration for the Community on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon till 5 p.m. The yearly event, which is underwritten by the children of Barbara and Ray Alpert in honor of Barbara’s birthday, draws people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life.
The festival will feature special guest Robb “Robbo” Zelonky, one of the most sought-after children’s performers in the country. Zelonky has performed in such diverse settings as summer camps, the White House, and the Cincinnati Folk Festival, where he co-headlined with folk legend Arlo Guthrie. Robbo will be showcased in a family concert at 2 p.m. as well as a Yiddish concert at 4 pm.
Throughout the day, the JCC will host activities for all ages, including moon bounces, dreidel games and Chanukah craft-making.
The AJCC’s Promenade Boutique will be filled with local vendors selling unique products, including jewelry, accessories, pampering products, Judaica, and other holiday gifts from local artisans and merchants.
Latkes, the fried potato pancakes that have become as much a symbol of Chanukah as menorahs and dreidels, will be available for purchase along with other traditional foods for the holiday.
The event also marks the last day of the Alpert JCC’s Jewish Book Festival, presented in conjunction with Borders Books and Music of Long Beach. The festival offers a large selection of fiction and non-fiction works, covering a range of interests including children’s books, cookbooks, Judaics, current events, and more.
The Alpert JCC is located at 3801 East Willow Street. For further information, contact Linda Sunshine Keiles at (562) 426-7601, ext. 1205 or at lkeiles@alpertjcc.org.
