The JCC of Greater Monmouth County recently hosted 225 Jewish teens from around the world for JCC Maccabi ArtsFest 2007. Under the expert guidance of a team of professional artists-in-residence, ArtsFest teens experienced a week that will inspire them for a lifetime.
Founded by JCC Association, JCC Maccabi ArtsFest was created to connect Jewish teens through their shared passion for artistic expression. In this large-scale community undertaking, the Deal JCC hosted teens from across the US, Israel, England, Japan and the former Soviet Union. The teens were provided with top-notch art workshops, housing, food, entertainment and even language interpretation for the young artists from Odessa.
Among the participants was 16-year-old Chelsea Kantor of Marlboro, who enrolled in the visual arts program. “I am very passionate about my religion; and I also have a great love of art,” said Chelsea. “People think Judaism or religion in general has to be separate from art, but it doesn’t. ArtsFest combines the two interests, and connects me with other teens from all over the world who have the same passion as I do.”
ArtsFest was the highlight of her summer, Chelsea said. “…It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. Being able to focus on art for a whole week, and not worry about the typical teenage drama that usually goes on in the summer made it so worthwhile.”
ArtsFest is modeled after JCC Association’s hugely successful JCC Maccabi Games. Through a dynamic combination of workshops, master classes, performances and exhibitions, ArtsFest nurtured individual talent while creating a powerful group experience and strengthening ties to Jewish heritage and values.
ArtsFest teens devoted one afternoon to a Day of Caring and Sharing project, preparing Rosh Hashanah care packages for Jewish soldiers serving overseas. A mural created by ArtsFest visual artists was donated to Monmouth Medical Center. The radio broadcasting participants created and aired public service announcements on WMCX-FM at Monmouth University.
ArtsFest concluded with an integrated artistic performance compiled and directed by TV, screen and stage actor Geoffrey Cantor, one of 10 professional artists-in-residence. Nearly 800 people attended the closing performance and art exhibition in the JCC’s Axelrod Performing Arts Center and Gallery on Grant. The magnificent performance, which showcased all of the artistic disciplines, prompted standing ovations from the enthralled audience.
“In just a few days, 225 young artists from every specialty came together and combined their skills to present an unforgettable finale,” said Randy Topper, head of the Monmouth County delegation. “It brought tears to my eyes watching the closing performance.”
The JCC is grateful to the many local families who stepped forward to host two or more ArtsFest teens in their homes. Hosting talented teens for the week was an enjoyable and meaningful experience for all the participating families.
The JCC is also indebted to the many sponsors and donors whose generosity helped make ArtsFest a reality. They include Jeanne and Donald Epstein, Joyce and Jack Kassin, Alan Shrem, Gabriel Levy, the Saka Family, Susan and Felix Amar, and many others.
The following artists comprised the Monmouth County ArtsFest 2007 delegation: Ariella Axelbank, Yehonatan Basher, Amy Blatt, Ilana Bolotsky, David Braha, Celia Cain, Daniel Calderwood, Linda Dayan, Lexi Dietrich, Lottie Edery, Alyssa Ezon, Katy Haddad, Chelsea Kantor, Raquel Kassin, Sofia Konvitz, Emily Krachman, Jacqueline Krost, Betty Laboz, Jenny Laliberte, Ryan Laliberte, Shelly Laniado, Jack Laniado, Ali Leitner, Joshua Levin, Joelle Missry, Alec Pflaster, Noah Phillips, Mariella Reyzis, Leah Schneider, Kayla Schneider-Smith, Annie Shamah, Michelle Sidran, Jessica Ubogiy, Shayna Ull, Hailey Winitsky, Adrien Winter, Adi Rachel Wolff, Rosie Zagha, Sammy Zalta and Saul Zalta.
Monmouth University and Temple Beth Miriam both stepped forward to offer their magnificent facilities for ArtsFest workshops. And many volunteers helped serve meals and staff the many ArtsFest events, making ArtsFest 2007 a true community effort.
ArtsFest 2008 will be hosted by JCCs of Northern Virginia and Minneapolis next August. Teens aged 13-17 interested in joining the Monmouth County delegation, please contact delegation head Randy Topper at 732-531-9100 x 124 or email rtopper@jcca.org.
Written by: Jill Garbi
Jill Garbi is the marketing director of the JCC of Greater Monmouth County.
