Sacramento's Jewish Federation will be holding Sacramento's first
Jewish Heritage Festival on the west steps of the capitol this Sunday.

The festival is open to the public, and admission is free. It commemorates National Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrating the 61st anniversary of Israel's independence this year, and the centennial anniversary of the first Hebrew city, Tel Aviv.

For the past two years, the federation has celebrated Israel's independence at the capitol. Encouraged by the turnout of more than 3,000 people at the capitol last year celebrating Israel's 60th anniversary, the federation decided to present the festival to Sacramento this year.

In April, Senate Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg released a resolution, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger a proclamation, reaffirming former President George W. Bush's 2006 proclamation of May as National Jewish American Heritage Month, further emphasizing the significance of the month for the local Jewish community.

The festival will begin at 1 p.m. with the second annual mile-long Salute to Israel @ 61 walk-a-thon’ at the capitol’s west steps by community members. The festival's activities will include live entertainment, including performances by international singer Noa Dori and Israeli-American dance troupe Keshet Chaim, as well as an eco-friendly fashion show.

International food, an artist street market, dance workshops, a Mediterranean teen lounge, cultural photo and art exhibits and the He'Brew Beer and Wine garden are anticipated to draw a large crowd to this year's festivities.

Noam Harel, the federation's producer of the event, said the federation is aiming for a goal of 5,000 attendees this year.

Harel said the festival is "very much a cultural celebration," serving as a means for people to celebrate unity and diversity while recognizing Jewish life and communities around the world.

"I'm not Jewish, I'm just volunteering...I have friends that are not Jewish that are attending also," said Karen Lee Ford, who was one of the participants at the capitol last year. Ford is helping to coordinate the fashion show at the festival this year.

"I'm very excited. It's going to be a great event."
For more information and a full list of sponsors, visit: www.JHFsac.com.