When they first moved from New York City to St. Charles County, Rabbi Chaim Landa and Bassy Landa recall meeting a number of people who wondered if they were the only Jewish family in the county. So the directors of the Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County decided to create a space for the county’s sizable Jewish community to gather, celebrate, and connect.
“We’re creating awareness and creating that space that allows for people to know you’re not the only Jew out here, and you’re celebrated and embraced,” says Rabbi Landa. “We know from a 2014 study that there are 5,800 Jews who live in St. Charles County, but there are likely many more—I think 10,000-plus, easy. We’re really experiencing a lot of growth.”
Stay up-to-date with the local arts scene
Subscribe to the weekly St. Louis Arts+Culture newsletter to discover must-attend art exhibits, performances, festivals, and more.
This Sunday from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m., they will host the second annual St. Charles Jewish Festival at Foundry Art Centre (520 N. Main Center). The festival will feature Jewish music, kosher food, fun and educational family activities, and a chance to learn about the diversity of the world’s Jewish population.
Young children are a major focus of the event. The “Gan Children’s Track” exposes the youngest festival attendees to Jewish culture through such interactive activities as inflatables, crafts, the Bubble Bus, and more.
Renowned children’s musician Bobby DooWah will be a big draw for the youngest attendees. West Coast Chasidic pop duo 8th Day will add a party vibe, while Shakshuka blends traditional Israeli and Sephardic music with jazz overtones.
The Holy Smokes kosher barbecue food truck from Nashville will be on hand, and more Jewish cuisine from around the world will be available.
Attendees will receive a passport of sorts, which can be stamped by people representing Jewish populations worldwide—Europe, North and East Africa, Asia, and more—who can share more about cultures across the globe. “We want people to walk away with more knowledge, more exposure to Jewish ideas and traditions,” says Rabbi Landa.
Rabbi Landa, who grew up in St. Louis, explains that the festival draws on the teachings of the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, and focuses on themes of joy, gratitude, and positivity. “Those themes are the reason we’re here,” says Chaim. “He inspired us and taught so many about the importance of every individual. This will really be an expression of those teachings come to life.”
The 2nd annual St. Charles Jewish Festival is Sunday, August 14, from 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at Foundry Arts Center (520 N. Main Center). Admission is free; food will be available for purchase.
