The St. Charles Jewish Festival returns this month to celebrate Jewish life and culture in a new venue. On Sunday, Aug. 25, the festival will run from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Boat House parking lot located at 1050 S. Riverside Drive in St. Charles, near the south end of Frontier Park.

Last year’s festival at the Foundry Arts Centre drew more than 3,000 visitors, the most in its three-year history. The Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, which organizes the event, anticipates this year’s attendance could be larger. It looked for a bigger venue with more parking and found the perfect location at the parking lot adjacent to the Lewis & Clark Boat House.

With an estimated 6,000 Jewish residents in St. Charles County, the festival serves as a focal point for the community to come together, share their heritage and introduce the broader public to the beauty of Jewish culture.

What’s new in 2024

This year’s festival will feature a dynamic and immersive shuk, the Hebrew word for “market.” This shuk is modeled after the bustling markets of Israel, complete with rows of stalls offering a variety of goods including spices, baked treats, Judaica and specialty items.

According to Bassy Landa, co-director of the Chabad Jewish Center, “Our immersive shuk will take the festival to the next level. People will get a taste of the excitement of the marketplace, taking in the sights and smells of Israeli foods, spices and other products.”

Music and entertainment

Music is a central part of the St. Charles Jewish Festival, adding a lively and festive atmosphere to the event. This year, the festival boasts an exciting lineup of musical acts that promise to entertain and inspire attendees of all ages.

Rogers Park Band Headlining the 2024 festival is the Rogers Park Band, an award-winning Hasidic indie folk group that has captivated audiences across the United States. Formed in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, this dynamic duo, Yosef Peysin and Mordy Kurtz, has been celebrated for their unique blend of soulful melodies and Jewish themes. Their music not only entertains but also uplifts, providing a perfect soundtrack to the festival’s joyful celebration of Jewish life.

Tali Yess Joining the lineup is Tali Yess, a sensation in the Jewish music world known for his powerful voice and emotive performances. Yess brings a deep connection to Jewish spirituality through his music, embedding profound teachings into melodies that resonate across generations. His performances are more than just music—they are a journey for the soul, making him a much-anticipated addition to this year’s festival.

Caravan Quartet Rounding out the musical offerings is the Caravan Quartet, a local favorite known for their eclectic mix of genres and vibrant stage presence. Their performances celebrate the diversity of the St. Charles community, blending traditional Jewish music with contemporary styles to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The Quartet’s lively performances are sure to get everyone moving, making them a must-see act at the festival.

In addition to these performances, there will be a variety of family-friendly entertainment options throughout the day, including storytelling sessions, craft activities and interactive cultural experiences. These activities are designed to engage children and families, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festival.

Kosher food delights

Food is always a highlight of the St. Charles Jewish Festival and this year’s event will feature an even more extensive selection of kosher dishes, showcasing the diversity of Jewish cuisine from around the world. Prepared by the acclaimed Zelda’s Catering, based in Chicago, the festival’s menu will offer something for every palate, from traditional favorites to innovative new dishes.

• Chicken Shawarma Kebab: A flavorful dish featuring chicken shawarma seasoned with turmeric, fresh lemon juice, cumin and sumac, drizzled with tahini and served with jeweled rice and Israeli salad.
• Kefta Kebabs: Juicy beef kefta kebabs served with tzatziki sauce, saffron rice with apricots and raisins and Israeli salad.
• Falafel in a Pita: Warm falafel balls served in a large pita pocket, topped with tahini and accompanied by Israeli salad.
• Pomegranate Braised Brisket Sandwich: Tender brisket braised with pomegranate and served on a challah roll with Israeli pickles.
• Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich: A crispy chicken cutlet served on a toasted French baguette with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and Zelda’s house sauce, alongside a side of coleslaw.

For those looking to sample a variety of flavors, the Global Jewish Tasting Kit is a perfect choice. This kit includes a selection of Jewish cuisine from around the world, such as Israeli Mango Salad, Sweet Lockshen Kugel, Mini Potato Knish, Mini Deli Roll-Up and Arancini.

Classic favorites In addition to the global offerings, the festival will also feature classic Jewish and American kosher foods that are sure to be crowd-pleasers. These include:

• Beef burgers
• Home-made corn dogs
• Israeli pickles and olives
• Chocolate, raspberry and apricot babka wedges
• Drinks & snow cones

All food at the festival will be kosher-certified under the supervision of the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis, ensuring that attendees can enjoy their meals with confidence.

FAQ’s For the Festival

To help you prepare for the St. Charles Jewish Festival, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How much does it cost to participate?
There is no fee for general admission, music or activities. However, there is a nominal fee for food and drink.

Will I need a ticket to enter the festival?
Yes, you can secure your FREE ticket by clicking here. Tickets will be available until we reach capacity.

Where can I park my car?
There will be parking available at the Lewis & Clark Boat House Parking Lot. Please note: the entrance to the parking lot will be from James MacKay Drive.

Will the food be kosher?
Yes, all food and drink items being sold at the festival will be kosher and under the supervision of the Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis.

How can I purchase food at the festival?
We recommend you bring your card, as the St. Charles Jewish Festival will be mostly a cashless payment event. That said, exact change will be accepted at most points of sale.

What’s the address of the Boat House?
The Lewis and Clark Boat House Parking Lot is located at 1050 S. Riverside Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301

How many Jews live in St. Charles County?
Nearly 6,000 Jews live in the County, including a large percentage of families with young children.

Where can I find out more about the Jewish Community in St. Charles County?
You can find out more information about the St. Charles Jewish Community by visiting: www.JewishStCharles.org. For more about the The Gan St. Charles Preschool, visit: www.GanStCharles.org.