The Jew Spot

Jewlicious Festival in Long Beach this February 29^th-March 2^nd

What is Jewlicious Fest? It is a three day, non-stop event with musicians, films, food, and the best part, Jews! In its fourth year, this festival just keeps on pushing the pride. Matisyahu will attend as a presenter, hanging out with wife Tahlia Miller who will showcase her new film, “Can’t Touch This.” Performers Y-Love, Chana Rothman, beatboxing Yuri Lane, Moshav and The Jew Spot’s very own, Kosha Dillz, will rock the stage. The list doesn’t stop really. Not to mention, GQ Rabbi Niles Goldstein will be there!

But the coolest one there is the guy who started it all – Rabbi Yonah. With a passion to unite Jews across all denominations, beliefs and class, Yonah and his wife Rachel began their big Mitzvah in Poland where they launched the International Warsaw Book Festival now in its 10^th year! Yonah says it was a great medium to foster Jewish identity, build community, and provide a focal point for Jewish inspiration.

So why stop there? After moving to LA, Yonah and Rachel have created that same community, only this time for us young, American Jews who are without a doubt in need of an opened, united and exciting Jewish community.

I was lucky enough to grab a few minutes with Rabbi Yonah to get the real deal on what’s going on over in Sunny Long Beach California. Here’s what he has to say…

What is the idea behind Jewlicious Fest?

The festival is a celebration of Jewnity. We bring people in from every part of the Jewish world.

There’s no weekend quite like it anywhere. We don’t have a political or religious agenda. We have a much broader mandate. A much, much broader umbrella of people who come in.

This year, we are expecting more than 700 people to attend. An expected 10 states will be represented, 50 colleges and Universities represented last year, and appearances from international guests.

Why do so many people come out for this festival??

People come to have a good time. To be with friends. To make friends. People come to learn. To be entertained.

We have had people come and meet their soulmates. We have had one wedding this year and one engagement this year from people that came last year. It’s not the only thing people should come for, but it is a positive. You could meet your soulmate here.

One of the highlights from the previous years was when Matisyahu came to the second festival with his family. People talked about it forever. Hanging out with him, hearing him talk -- it gave people the opportunity to have a personal interaction. This year, we’re very grateful he is coming back to offer his thoughts and participation.

What have been the reactions??

‘What an inspiring, fantastic and fun weekend!’

I think most people are surprised how comfortable the atmosphere is. And how much there is to do. And everyone is surprised by the amount and quality of the food.

The performers also believe in what we’re doing and they become part of the entire movement that we have here. Many of the performers call us asking to perform at Jewlicious.

What should people do once they read this and realize this is how they want to spend Shabbos on February 29?

Go to Jewliciousfestival.com, click on tickets, and hope there are tickets left!

For lodging, people have the option to camp out at the JCC for free. Or there are hotels nearby.

[And no worries mom and dad, there will be security present.]

Thanks Rabbi Yonah, Rachel, GoodGirlsPR, Eric Rosen for inspiring me to fly out, and the hundreds of volunteers making this event possible. It is truly an event of the imagination coming true. Can’t wait to get out there!

Hope all those reading will want to join us! I’ll be the one interviewing the presenters and performers. Have any requests for interviews from the festival? Here’s the list. And then email me at findmyjewspot@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more Jewlicious coverage!