Israel’s culture and history will be showcased when The Jewish Center hosts “A Day To Celebrate Israel” on Sunday, April 3.
The public is invited to attend short films, history lectures, folk dancing and self-defense demonstrations appropriate for all ages. Several Israeli charities will be featured at the shuk — a Middle Eastern marketplace — along with Israeli food, art, Dead Sea bath and beauty products, Judaica and jewelry. The Shuk opens at 1 p.m.
Festivities kick off with a krav maga demonstration by David Kahn, a world-renowned expert who has written several books on this Israeli martial art designed for close combat. He will be available for questions and book signing after his presentation.
Israeli folk dancing, led by dance-circuit veteran Elana Tennenzapf, will include instruction for beginners.
Princeton University Israel Studies lecturer Dr. Eran Kaplan will explore the impact of consumerism on the Israeli political landscape in a talk titled “Eating McDonald’s in Tel Aviv.”
A history of Israel’s Kibbutz movement will be discussed by former kibbutnik and educator Riva Jaffe-Levy in “Growing Up in a Kibbutz.”
Athletes Lisa Fischman and Steven Tennanzapf will talk about their participation in Maccabiah games held in Israel and Australia.
Several short films will run throughout the day, including “West Bank Story,” an award-winning musical comedy, and David Broza’s “Concert on Masada.”
Sharon Schmidt, greater Philadelphia area director of American Friends of Magen David Adom (the Israeli affiliate of the International Red Cross) will discuss a variety of programs and initiatives including the organization’s role as first responders for the hundreds of terror attacks and bombings throughout Israel.
TJC members Michael Feldstein and daughter Peri will share their experiences as volunteers for Hazon Yeshaya Humanitarian Network, which operates Israel’s most effective network of soup kitchens, vocational training, dental clinics and food pantries for the poor.
Naomi Eisenberger, executive director for the Good People Fund, an organization inspired by the work of Rabbi Danny Siegel, who founded the Ziv Tzedakah Fund and wrote the best-selling micro-philanthropy primer “Tell Me a Mitzvah,” will also be on hand. The Good People Fund provides financial support, guidance and mentoring for charitable activities in Israel and the U.S. often overlooked by major organizations.
Information on travel to Israel, Jewish camp opportunities and study abroad programs in Israel will also be available. Israeli fare, including lunch and snacks, can be purchased throughout the afternoon. For more information, contact The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton, 609-921-0100 or at www.thejewishcenter.org

