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Monday, September 04, 2006

Jewish Renaissance Fair

To borrow the tagline from an old TV commercial, you don't have to be Jewish to like the Jewish Renaissance Fair. The fair features activities and entertainment with a Jewish twist but designed to appeal to Jews and non-Jews alike.

"It's a day of joy and unity for all different kinds of people," says Rabbi Boruch Klar, director of outreach for the Lubavitch Center of Essex County, which produces the fair. "I want to share the beauty and warmth and depth of Judaism with everybody."

Entertainment at the fair includes magic, juggling, vaudeville shows, fire eating and performers such as the Kosher Cookie Monster and Uncle Moishy and his Mitzvah Men.

Traditional carnival rides and games will be available, as will food from cotton candy to knishes to barbecue -- all of it kosher.

"Everything except the rides has some Jewish theme, for education and growth. But everything is fun. It's like going to an Italian festival or a Chinese New Year celebration," Rabbi Klar said.

Children will have hands-on opportunities to make arts and crafts -- or even a shofar, the ceremonial ram's horn trumpet used on some holy days.

Dozens of artists from Israel and America will be displaying their work.

The fair closes with the Rock and Soul Festival, featuring the Jewish rock band "Shlock Rock," performing original songs and parodies of secular songs with Jewish lyrics. Opening the concert will be the Kabbalah Dream Orchestra, an Israeli band that combines Jewish sacred melodies with other musical influences from around the world.

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