This year, for the first time, special attention will be paid to tweeners — youths who are too old for the “festival within a festival” of children’s activities, yet a little young for the Bedouin-style tent where older teens will gather.
Gideon Boaz, the festival’s coordinator, says the Tzofim scouts from Palo Alto are organizing an afternoon of tweener activities including a treasure hunt based on Israeli history, as well as an obstacle course, sports and a journey though the “Flour Cave.”
The festival is also offering three full concerts for kids of all ages. The entertainers: the eclectic Mosaik, Israeli rock star Corinne Allal and the world music band Esta.
There will also be food, art and Judaica, as well as information from representatives of local Jewish organizations.
Festivities begin at 11:45 a.m. with 45 minutes of Israeli dancing. Instruction will be provided.
Mozaik, a Northern California-based band, will start the main-stage entertainment at 12:30 p.m. A self-described “psychedelic Jewgrass” band, the eight-person group blends klezmer, jazz and jamming.
At 1:30 p.m., Allal will make her first appearance in Northern California. An Israeli rock star whose singles have hit the top of the charts, Allal has been compared to Tracy Chapman and Suzanne Vega. Her music ranges from emotionally intense renditions of Edith Piaf songs to powerful, original rock ‘n’ roll.
Esta is the final act at 3:15 p.m. Called Israel’s most original instrumental band by music critics, the group plays a “stew” of Mediterranean, Balkan, African, Asian, Celtic and Western music. Their instruments range from bagpipes to electric guitars. The band has performed around the world, including a White House reception hosted by President Clinton for Israel’s 50th anniversary.
On the teen front, the Bedouin-style tent is back by popular demand for high-schoolers. The tent will offer music, henna body-painting and temporary tattoos, and hanging out with friends. No grown-ups allowed, promises Boaz.
The “festival within the festival” for young children will offer diversions ranging from shows with the toddler-sized puppets of Monkey Thump to face painting, singing, games and crafts. In addition, A Traveling Jewish Theatre will work with children to create original masks and headdresses that the kids will display in a street theater-style parade through the Meadows.
What’s a Jewish event without food? Israel in the Meadows will offer pluralistic nosh for the area’s pluralistic community — from falafel, piroshkes and Chinese to hot dogs, popcorn and pizza.
In addition, a visit to Makolet Shel Israel — a grocery sponsored by San Francisco’s Israel Center — will provide a chance to purchase imported Israeli foods including pickles, candy, snacks, soups and more.
All food will be vegetarian or kosher, Boaz said.
The annual festival is always a place to stock up on Judaica for holidays and gifts. This year is no exception. About 20 of the area’s best artisans, craftspersons and art vendors will show their wares in an artists village.
And last, but certainly not least, many of the community’s Jewish agencies and organizations will be on hand to provide information on the programs and services within the Jewish community.