SK Jewish Arts Festival opening doors to community

Get ready for round two! The Saskatchewan Jewish Arts Festival returns to the city for a week-long celebration of culture, theatre, tradition, and visual art.

“We got to have curious conversations about Jewish people and their art.”

Malvina Rapko says the festival creates understanding and builds community. (Emma Love Photography)

“We have a very small presence in Saskatchewan in general and it’s not often that people get to experience Jewish culture,” says festival organizer Malvina Rapko. “That first festival in 2022 was filled with so much joy. We got to have curious conversations about Jewish people and their art. I’m looking forward to showcasing more of our stories and experiences.”

“It’s about faith and family.”

This year’s festival kicks off Feb. 5th with the world premiere of local playwright Jenna Berenbaum’s first professional

Berenbaum’s play 18 Jews Order Chinese Food will have its world premiere as part of the festival. (Nicole Romanoff)

play 18 Jews Order Chinese Food. The show is part of Persephone Theatre’s mainstage season. It’s a story that asks what it means to be Jewish in a modern, prairie family.

“About six years ago I was attending my great uncle’s funeral and in the middle of our grief we were all in one room trying to order Chinese food,” says Berenbaum. “It felt like an experience everyone had shared in a way. We were sad and looking for comfort but there was also a lot of laughter in the room. It’s about faith and family.”

Along with the performance, there will be a pre-show discussion with multi-faith leaders and a party after the play with DJ Butt Mitzva. The offerings continue with a variety of music and artist events including a book discussion about Babi Yar by Anatoly Kuznetsov at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada, a Klezmer Shabbat Service, a Jewish cooking workshop, and a showcase of visual works by Jewish Artists of Saskatoon curated by Carol Wylie, all happening at Congregation Agudas Israel Synagogue.

“It’s lovely when people connect over art. It’s when the work is the most fulfilling.”

Leah Rosenberg hopes to inspire and connect others by helping them create their own work. (Photo Provided)

Internationally renowned artist Leah Rosenberg is returning home to Saskatoon for the festival. Inspired by a quote from poet Pat Schneider, “What’s more generous than a window?”, Rosenberg will transform a window of the synagogue into a colourful welcome to the public. On the weekend, Aspiring artists will take part in a workshop with Rosenberg making their own vibrant piece to take home.

“I think art says things without using words,” says Rosenberg. “It’s lovely when people connect over art. It’s when the work is the most fulfilling. Colour is a way of finding beauty in the chaos of the everyday world.”

“This is a chance for us to open up to the world. We need it now more than ever,” says Rapko. “An opportunity to have meaningful discussions and show the beauty of Jewish heritage, religion, culture, and art. It’s going to be a joyful week.”