| Every
two years ... an eclectic group of volunteers gathers to create the vision
and consider the logistics which unfold for you on one special summer day. The Jewish
POCET is a production group made up of individuals representing a network and cross
section of the entire Jewish community. We are linked by a single purpose: to produce an
event which celebrates Jewish life and culture. We are committed to this project because
of our resolve that Jewish identity must be based, in part, on a tangible positive feeling
about Jewish life, especially for children. Since 1980, the Greater Chicago Jewish Folk Arts
Festival has created just that experience for hundreds of thousands. Today, it is the
largest Jewish cultural event in Chicago and the largest ongoing Jewish festival in
America. We call it the Heart and Soul of Jewish Chicago because on this one
special day, you can find everything that is Jewish in Chicago. We create our own
"town square" filled with the sights, sounds and smells of a dynamic and
creative community. The Festival is a community event, not a commercial event.
The Jewish POCET is
very proud that people come from all over the United States, as well as from Canada and
Israel, to see the Festival, sell at the Festival and perform at the Festival. We are also
gratified that every aspect of our community is represented in some way.
-
Michael Lorge, Founder
P.O. Box 5215, Skokie, IL 60076
At each Festival, seven
hours of continuous entertainment are provided on four stages: Two main stages for musical
entertainment, a family stage and a stage for
dance groups, theater groups and storytellers. In addition, the Art Fair and Craft Fair
display works of more than 80 artists and artisans. A variety of delicious, and
strictly Kosher, food is provided by dozens of vendors. The Festival also includes a Book
Fair and a Hands-On Children's Activity Area, which is staffed by various organizations
and museums serving children and in the past has included a petting zoo, clowns and
various Judaic projects to bring home. Finally, at the Organization Fair visitors can get
information on more than 100 organizations that have booths at the Festival.
The Jewish
P.O.C.E.T. (Production Organization for Cultural Events and Theater) is a not-for-profit
organization committed to developing and producing quality Jewish art, music and theater
events in the Chicago area. |
