Carmel Jewish Film Festival

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Carmel Jewish Film Festival

The Carmel Jewish Film Festival returns November 2–16, 2025 with 9 films, VIP receptions, community dinners, and conversations that inspire connection.

Congregation Beth Israel is the largest and oldest Synagogue on the Monterey Peninsula. We are a growing congregation with approximately 275 member households. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and are unified in our Jewish spirit. We are a Reform Congregation, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, in the mainstream of liberal Judaism. As liberal Jews we look to our heritage as a repos

itory of wisdom, insight and numerous possibilities for religious expression. We involve ourselves in reaching out to intermarried couples, singles and other groups in need of our attention. We participate in community events such as Blood Drives, I-HELP, Food drives and helping feed the hungry. We support the bereaved, visit the sick, and lend a hand to those in need in our community. We also extend our help with cooking for those in mourning and those who are recovering from an illness and help with transportation. We are a caring congregation. To learn more about us please contact our office at (831) 624-2015 or email [email protected].

05/30/2026

There’s still time to join us for Breaking Bread this Sunday, May 31, at Congregation Beth Israel. The film follows Arab and Israeli chefs building unexpected common ground one shared meal at a time — a timely, genuinely uplifting watch.

Doors and the dessert reception open at 7 p.m., with the screening and a lively audience discussion to follow. Come for the film, stay for the talk, and meet a few neighbors over something sweet. Reserve here: carmelbethisrael.org/form/2-for-food-and-film-2026.html

05/29/2026

Two Sundays. Two films. One table set for the whole community.

Congregation Beth Israel is kicking off the season with something special: a joint “2 for Food & Film” early bird package from the Jewish Food Festival and the Carmel Jewish Film Festival. One sponsorship commitment, four tickets, and two unforgettable Sunday evenings of film, dessert, and the kind of conversation that lingers long after the lights come up.

First up, Breaking Bread on Sunday, May 31 — a documentary about Arab and Israeli chefs using food as a bridge across the deepest divides. Dessert reception and discussion begin at 7 p.m. Then on Sunday, June 28, A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma uncovers a forgotten chapter of California Jewish history, with special guests who lived it.

There’s heart behind it, too: a portion of Jewish Food Festival proceeds will support hunger relief through JCM United and World Central Kitchen — here at home and around the world.

Early bird sponsorships are open through May 31, with multiple levels available. Reserve yours: carmelbethisrael.org/form/2-for-food-and-film-2026.html

05/27/2026

Now Seeking Sponsors for “2 for Food & Film”

Help bring food, film, culture, and conversation to the community through two signature events hosted by Congregation Beth Israel.

Sponsor levels available for businesses, families, and community supporters.

Call 831-624-2015 to sponsor today.

05/25/2026

Can a meal change a mind?

On Sunday, May 31, Congregation Beth Israel opens the season with Breaking Bread — a documentary that follows Arab and Israeli chefs who set aside what divides them and meet over the one thing that doesn’t: food.

It’s a film about the quiet power of a shared table — how a kitchen can become common ground, and how a single meal can carry a conversation places politics never could. Funny, hopeful, and deeply human, it’s the kind of story that stays with you long after the credits.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a dessert reception, followed by the screening and an audience discussion — a chance to sit with the film, and with each other. All are welcome.

Reserve your spot through the “2 for Food & Film” early bird package: carmelbethisrael.org

A Commitment to Hunger Relief
In a meaningful expression of community values, Congregation Beth Israel will donate a portion of proceeds from the Jewish Food Festival to both JCM United and World Central Kitchen in support of hunger relief efforts both here at home and around the world.

05/24/2026

Something exciting is happening this spring at Congregation Beth Israel. 🎉

We’ve teamed up with the Carmel Jewish Film Festival for our brand-new "2 for Food & Film" Early Bird Package — and you’re going to want in.

🎬 TWO Sunday evening events featuring documentary screenings, dessert receptions & lively discussions:

📅 May 31— Breaking Bread
7:00-9:00pm

📅 June 28 — A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma
7:00-9:00pm

Sponsor by May 31 and receive 4 tickets to use however you’d like.

🌍 PLUS: A portion of Jewish Food Festival proceeds will be donated to JCM United & World Central Kitchen for hunger relief at home and around the world.

Reserve your spot → carmelbethisrael.org/form/2-for-food-and-film-2026.html

05/18/2026

Be Seen. Be Involved. Be Part of It.

Sponsor the Jewish Food Festival and Carmel Jewish Film Festival and align your business with two of the community’s most meaningful cultural events.

Visibility. Community. Connection.

Combined sponsorships start at $450.

Call 831-624-2015
www.JewishFoodFestivalCarmel.org

05/10/2026

Food. Film. Community.

Sponsorships are now open for the Jewish Food Festival and Carmel Jewish Film Festival.

Support two powerful community events that bring people together through culture, storytelling, and connection.

Combined “2 for Food & Film” sponsorships begin at $450.

To sponsor:
Call 831-624-2015
www.CarmelBethIsrael.org

11/16/2025

Closing Celebration: Today! 2:00 PM Reception | 3:00 PM Film

📍 Congregation Beth Israel, Carmel

The Carmel Jewish Film Festival wraps up with laughter, history, and heart in Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm.

Canadian comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman dive into Sweden’s Jewish culture like “gefilte fish out of water,” preparing for a live show while uncovering surprising stories spanning 250 years of Jewish life. From the earliest immigrants to the revival of Yiddish as a protected language, their hilarious and heartfelt journey blends comedy with cultural discovery.

Join us for this joyful finale that proves Jewish humor and heritage thrive in the most unexpected places.

🎟 Tickets: $30 (includes reception and film). Seating is limited.

Celebrate with us and reserve your tickets now: www.carmelbethisrael.org/cjff

11/14/2025

Closing Celebration: Do You Have Your Tickets for Swedishkayt?

Sunday, November 16, 2025
📍 Congregation Beth Israel, Carmel
2:00 PM Reception | 3:00 PM Film

The Carmel Jewish Film Festival wraps up with laughter, history, and heart in Swedishkayt: YidLife Crisis in Stockholm.

Canadian comedy duo Eli Batalion and Jamie Elman dive into Sweden’s Jewish culture like “gefilte fish out of water,” preparing for a live show while uncovering surprising stories spanning 250 years of Jewish life. From the earliest immigrants to the revival of Yiddish as a protected language, their hilarious and heartfelt journey blends comedy with cultural discovery.

Join us for this joyful finale that proves Jewish humor and heritage thrive in the most unexpected places.

🎟 Tickets: $30 (includes reception and film). Seating is limited.
Celebrate with us and reserve your tickets now: www.carmelbethisrael.org/cjff

11/12/2025

Do You Have Your Tickets for Sabbath Queen?

Saturday, November 15, 2025
📍 Center for Spiritual Awakening, 522 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove (across from the Museum of Natural History)
6:30 PM Light Snacks | 7:00 PM Film | 8:30 PM Post-Film Discussion

Filmed over 21 years, Sabbath Queen follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie—heir to 38 rabbinic generations—as he reinvents Jewish ritual as a drag queen, q***r father, and visionary leader of Lab/Shul. The documentary challenges tradition while opening new conversations about spirituality, inclusion, and what it means to live authentically in the 21st century.

After the screening, we welcome Rabbi Eli Cohen, spiritual leader of Chadeish Yameinu (the Jewish Renewal Community of Santa Cruz). Rabbi Cohen has dedicated his life to bridging religious and progressive values and is a passionate advocate for both Jewish tradition and LGBTQ+ inclusion.

This is more than a film—it’s an evening of storytelling, dialogue, and inspiration.

🎟 Tickets are $20 and available now. Seating is limited.
Reserve your spot today: www.carmelbethisrael.org/cjff

Address

5716 Carmel Valley Road
Carmel, CA
93923

Website

https://www.carmelbethisrael.org/cjff?fbclid=IwY2xjawNUidxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWdVVRajl2NEc5YXFRd3NmAR74oMpXmItUNck7y

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