The week-long Festival of Jewish Life will start with a song and offer numerous and diverse ways to experience and celebrate Jewish culture.

A capella singing sensation the Maccabeats will kick off the festival at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at the Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex gymnasium, 2 Millstone Campus Drive in Creve Coeur. The Yeshiva University students gained international exposure via YouTube, and have already attracted ticket-buyers from across the Midwest.

The festival is open to all, and includes films and discussions, cooking and yoga, mezuzah making, brown bag lunch and learns with rabbis emeritus, field trips to cultural institutions, food and wine sessions and the Safrai Art Gallery from Israel, displaying art for perusal and for purchase.

“Jewish culture, art and heritage can have a powerful and positive impact on one’s life,” said Rabbi Brad Horwitz of the JCC.  “The Festival of Jewish Life is an amazing opportunity for people from all walks of life to participate in engaging activities and walk away enriched, connected and energized.  It is accessible to all people, no matter of interest or background and should be a wonderful way for our community to come together.”

The complete festival schedule is available online at stlouisfestivalofjewishlife.com

The festival is presented in collaboration with a variety of community support, and is sponsored by the Central Agency for Jewish Education (CAJE), the JCC and the St. Louis Rabbinical Association. Most sessions are free; some require materials fees at the door. Advance tickets for the Maccabeats are strongly recommended, and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com or from Diane Maier at 314-442-3190.