The Saskatchewan Jewish Arts Festival organizing team welcomes the public to enjoy the beauty of Judaism through art. (Britainy Zapshalla)

Music, theatre, film, visual art and so much more… A new festival coming to Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Jewish Arts Festival October 19 – 23, is a showcase of national and international talent. The events are free and all are welcome.

“We are proud of the way we honour our community and Jewish history in Saskatoon through events like the Holocaust memorial, the Silver Spoon and Silver Plate Dinners,” says Festival Producer Malvina Rapko. “With this festival, we celebrate the joy of Jewish culture. We invite the public to experience our thriving community and the talent and artistic beauty we have to offer.”

Award winning composer Ari Posner will share his arrangements of Jewish prayer in a traditional Shabbat service. (Scott Murdoch)

This festival welcomes you into the newly renovated Congregation Agudas Israel to enjoy a glimpse into a traditional Shabbat service. Dive into the music of Jewish prayer led by Canadian musician Ari Posner. An international and award-winning composer for film and television, Posner will share his arrangements of Jewish prayer. Some of these pieces are thousands of years old, steeped in tradition. Celebrated, Saskatoon-born, soprano Jardena Gertler-Jaffe will join Posner in the service. The pair will also take part in a deeper discussion on the relationship between music and prayer in this celebration of Jewish worship.

The festival, in partnership with Persephone Theatre, will present Old Stock: A Refugee Love Story starring Canadian recording artist Ben Caplan. The half klezmer concert, half theatre tale was inspired by the true story of two Jewish Romanian refugees coming to Canada in 1908. It’s played off Broadway and around the world – but never before in Saskatchewan.

Jardena Gertler-Jaffe will perform at the traditional Shabbat service. (Alice Xue Photography)

You will get your groove on with a dance party hosted by DJ Butt Mitzfa. Take a deep dive into the works of Jewish artists with Ukrainian Jewish Artists Across Three Centuries at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

Visitors can also sit back and enjoy Jewish Film Night features at The Broadway Theatre. There’s something for everyone at this festival. Organizers say the sharing of Jewish artistry is key to building bridges within our community.

“We are seeing a rise in anti-Semitism in the past few years,” says Festival Curator Joel Bernbaum. “You know what they say in hockey, ‘The best defence is a good offence.’ We want this festival to break down the differences between us and build up an understanding and appreciation for our culture in all its forms.”