Sammi Riemana, 15, of North Brunswick (l-r), Alissa Kurzman, 16, of Marlboro, and Laura Bortnick, 17, of West Windsor, add their support to a banner for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit during the fourth annual Rejoice Jewish music and cultural festival held Sunday in Woodlot Park, South Brunswick. When completed, the banner will be sent to Israel. SCOTT FRIEDMAN Thousands of area residents piled into Woodlot Park in South Brunswick on Sept. 18 to celebrate Jewish music and culture at the fourth annual Rejoice festival.
According to its website, the festival is a “celebration of the vitality of the Jewish community in Central New Jersey,” but organizer Aaron Rosloff said it is attended by Jewish and non-Jewish community members alike. Attendees enjoyed a variety of food and musical entertainment throughout a sunny Saturday.
Rosloff said approximately 3,000 people took advantage of the free, family-friendly activities. Local and state politicians from both political parties attended the festival, including South Brunswick Mayor Frank Gambatese and council members.
The crowd was on their feet dancing to the sounds of the Sons of Tikvah band during the fourth annual Rejoice Jewish music and cultural festival held Sunday in Woodlot Park, South Brunswick. SCOTT FRIEDMAN Children were particularly fond of the two bounce houses and the Mama Doni Band, which incorporated a few kids into its comedic songs and routine. Other musical acts included Sons of Tikvah Band, Six 13, Makhelat HaMercaz and Tsu Fil Duvids.
Although the festival was free, attendees were encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to be given to the South Brunswick Food Bank. Rosloff said the one barrel used to contain the donations was not enough and additional plastic grass bags had to be used. “Some people tell me that the main reason they come is because it gives them an opportunity to bring food to the Food Pantry,” Rosloff said.
According to Rosloff, the goal of the festival is to unify. Although Congregation B’nai Tikvah and the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County sponsored the event, other religious congregations were invited and several took part.
“I believe that Jewish music and culture helps to demystify us to our non-Jewish neighbors,” Rosloff said. “We accomplished that at the festival. We always do.”