The Jewish Federation presents festival at Pierce College

By Lori Porter Acorn Staff Writer

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn ENJOYING THE SOUNDS--Kaileh Pistol and her daughter, Boa, listen to music on stage during the 11th biannual Los Angeles Jewish Festival at Pierce College in Woodland Hills on Sunday.

Thousands of people braved the late summer heat Sunday at the Los Angeles Jewish Festival, hosted by Pierce College in Woodland Hills. The event celebrated Jewish life and cultural diversity.

There was a strong corporate presence by companies like the Los Angeles Times, Countrywide and Gelson’s Markets. Many Jewish organizations set up booths on the campus and distributed literature. The goal was to raise awareness about the Jewish community and its efforts to make a better world for all people.

There were numerous opportunities for activism offered at the festival’s social action pavilion, which included a Kosher Food Pantry called SOVA and an organization called MAZON, committed to stopping hunger in America and abroad through coalitions in and outside the Jewish faith.

The Jewish Federation’s call to volunteerism was presented through a puzzle that will be going to Jewish embassies around the world—and possibly the White House.

MICHAEL COONS/The Acorn ON STAGE-Aaron Diskin passionately sings with the band Golem during the 11th biannual Los Angeles Jewish Festival at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. About 40,000 people attended the event.

The idea was to pick a piece of the puzzle, put your name or a message on the back of it and connect it to the puzzle. When the puzzle (there will be three in all) is finished, it will be placed inside a glass frame and sent to various embassies. Each finished puzzle will have a missing piece to illustrate that the world isn’t yet complete.

What also makes the puzzle special is that its creator is a graphic artist from Argentina who donated many hours of time and effort to create it.

In addition, there were vendors selling handmade jewelry, artists displaying unique paintings and plenty of kosher food.

On the Countrywide main stage was a full lineup of internationally known Jewish rock performers such as Rick Recht, Rebbe Soul, The Moshav Band and others.

For those searching for a place to worship for the High Holidays, dozens of synagogues were present to assist in the choosing.

Ken Warner, president of the Jewish Federation’s Valley Alliance, said the group provides services to 250,000 Jews living in the San Fernando, Conejo, Santa Clarita, Simi and Antelope valleys in addition to services provided abroad.

The Federation recently began feeling the call to take over many social services throughout the valleys and greater Los Angeles area due to California’s state budget cuts which will likely cut many programs.

Sunday was the 11th biannual Los Angeles Jewish Festival, serving an estimated 40,000 visitors. This is the largest outdoor festival in the Western U.S.