Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Jewish arts and culture. From intimate author talks and dynamic film screenings to hands-on cooking classes and curated cultural outings, our programming celebrates the many ways Jewish creativity takes shape. Each winter, our Jewish Arts Festival brings together artists, thinkers, and community members for a joyful celebration of expression and identity. Whether you’re drawn to stories, flavors, music, or ideas—there’s something here to spark your imagination.
Upcoming Arts and Culture Events
Jewish Plays Project Reading for International Holocaust Remebrance Day
Date
January 25, 2026
Time
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT
An unusual portrait’s theft and its travels around the world. Canvas. Pencil. Paint. How can one piece of art tear at the hearts of generations? ...
The Origins of Flamenco: A Jewish Perspective
Date
January 30, 2026
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EDT
Flamenco is a vibrant musical culture emanating from the beautiful land of Andalucia. While part of the Iberian peninsula, this region has a unique hi...
Trip to see Itzhak Perlman "In the Fiddler's House"
Date
February 15, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 9:30 PM EDT
Join Temple Israel on Saturday, February 15 at 7:00 p.m., for a special trip to Symphony Hall to see Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddler’s House&mdas...
The Jungfernhof Concentration Camp Memorial Project: Reclaiming a Lost History with Karen Frostig
Date
February 22, 2026
Time
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM EDT
The Locker of Memory Memorial Project seeks to restore the history of the Jungfernhof concentration camp in Riga, Latvia, where nearly 4,000 German a...
Glitz! Glamor! and... Gefilte Fish? The Roller-Coaster History of Jews and Hollywood
Date
March 5, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
This course explores the remarkable journey of Jewish innovators, moguls, and storytellers who helped shape Hollywood from its earliest days to the pr...
Hal Slifer
Date
March 10, 2026
Time
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
“American Jewish Music: The Stories Behind the Songs” is a lively, multimedia program that highlights 15 unforgettable songs that make up the mus...
Capturing and Honoring Family Memories with Karen Frostig
Date
March 29, 2026
Time
10:15 AM - 11:45 AM EDT
This workshop, led by Karen Frostig, is designed to help you explore and commemorate significant family memories. It focuses on the stories, objects,...
Author Talk with Talia Carner: The Boy with the Star Tattoo
Date
April 14, 2026
Time
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM EDT
Spanning wartime France and postwar Israel, The Boy with the Star Tattoo is an epic historical novel of love, loss, and moral courage. Set against ...
Authors
Meet the minds behind the words. Our author events bring contemporary Jewish voices to the center stage—sparking conversation, curiosity, and connection.
Films
From powerful documentaries to celebrated features, our film screenings invite you to explore Jewish life, history, and imagination through a cinematic lens.
Trips
Experience Jewish culture out in the world. We take enriching, joyful trips to museums, performances, and exhibits that inspire learning through connection.
Jewish Plays Project
Be part of the creative process. In partnership with the Jewish Plays Project, this lay-led group brings bold, contemporary Jewish theater to life—inviting community members to help choose which new works take the stage. Each January, a powerful staged reading is performed in honor of Yom HaShoah, connecting memory and creativity in a meaningful way.
Jewish Arts Festival
Our signature winter celebration of Jewish creativity. This day-long festival features artists, performers, and makers across disciplines—all exploring Jewish identity through art that fills our entire building!
Musical Engagement
Music is integral to everything we do at Temple Israel. We have a rich and beloved musical tradition dating back to our 19th century roots. Come sing with us at our Shabbat and holiday services, join our musical groups, and enjoy our special musical events.