EVENTS
Citizen Nawi Screening
Join Kultur Mercado and New Israel Fund’s NIF NewGen for an engaging evening as we screen “Citizen Nawi” (2007), a powerful documentary that tells the story of Ezra Nawi, a queer Mizrahi Israeli peace activist working with Palestinian communities in the South Hebron Hills.
Jewish Linguistic and Culinary Walking Tour of Pico-Robertson
Join us for a fascinating journey through one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and storied neighborhoods on the Jewish Linguistic and Culinary Walking Tour of Pico-Robertson. Guided by Alan Niku (HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project) and Aaron Castillo-White (Kultur Mercado), this unique event invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish life, language, and cuisine that has flourished in Pico-Robertson.
This walking tour will emphasize the incredible linguistic and culinary diversity that has long defined Pico-Robertson as a stronghold of Jewish culture and experience. From the Yiddish-speaking immigrants of Eastern Europe to Ladino-speaking Sephardic Jews and, more recently, speakers of Judeo-Arabic, Judeo-Median, Farsi, and other languages from the Jewish communities of the Middle East and beyond, Pico-Robertson is a living mosaic of Jewish diasporic influences.
As we walk through the neighborhood, you'll discover how each successive wave of Jewish immigrants has left its mark on the area, shaping its cultural landscape and culinary offerings. Expect to taste a range of traditional foods, learn about the languages that have been spoken in these streets, and hear stories of resilience and adaptation that have kept Jewish culture thriving in Los Angeles.
Whether you are a local or a visitor, this tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the flavors, sounds, and history of Jewish Los Angeles in an intimate and engaging way. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your connection to the Jewish heritage that continues to shape our city.
When the Catskills Spoke Yiddish
The Catskills made a big impression on readers of “The Forverts,” the Jewish immigrant community’s Yiddish paper of record. Each summer, subscribers jammed the newspaper’s switchboards to ensure their beloved daily was delivered to their Borscht Belt boarding houses, bungalow colonies, and resorts. Loaded with classified ads for Catskills farmland, boarding houses, hotels, and even Yiddish summer camps, ‘Forverts’ readers and writers found a home in the Borscht Belt for well over a century. Join archivist Chana Pollack on a journey through the historic Forward archives, hear some of what they reported on the Catskills, and see what the tumult was all about.
Kleztronica w/ Chaia
Kleztronica, a place where archival samples of klezmer and Yiddish music combine with racing electronic grooves.
In this night of dance and song, we trace Yiddish radical history and culture, tied together by electronic frenzy.
Come sing in Yiddish, dance Yiddish dances, learn about klezmer history, and meet new and old faces!
This event is all ages and open to anyone.
International Day of Democracy Breakfast
Join your friends at AF-California for a bagel brunch celebrating the International Day of Democracy!
As we enjoy a spread of locally-made bagels, spreads, and juices, we'll hear from featured speaker Rabbi Zach Golden and dive into conversations about the challenges and opportunities that face today's democratic societies.
More speakers will be announced soon.
Whether you're a seasoned activist or someone curious about the future of democracy, this event promises to be insightful and inspiring. Come with an open mind, a healthy appetite, and a passion for building a brighter, more democratic future for all.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Good Fire, Bad Fire: Climate Resilience and the American West
Join us for an insightful virtual discussion on the critical issue of land use management in the American West, focusing on improving public lands and mitigating the increasingly disastrous wildfires that threaten these landscapes. This conversation will bring together experts in the field to discuss innovative approaches and practical solutions for enhancing climate resilience around today's burning issues.
Our distinguished panel includes Madison Yablonski from the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), who will share her expertise on market-based solutions to environmental challenges. She will be joined by Sarah Jensen from the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), known for her work in promoting market-based environmentalism, and Aaron Castillo-White from America's Future [AF], who has extensive experience in climate and land management policy across three continents.
This event will delve into the complexities of land use in the context of climate change, addressing how strategic management can protect public lands and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Topics will include the role of public and private partnerships, the importance of economic incentives in conservation, and the future of land stewardship in a changing climate
Whether you're a policymaker, environmental advocate, or simply concerned about the future of the American West, this conversation promises to provide valuable insights and actionable ideas for fostering a more resilient landscape.
Don't miss this opportunity to engage with developing leaders in the field and contribute to the discussion on how to better manage our land for a safer, more sustainable future.
Good Fire, Bad Fire Screening
Join us for a screening of Good Fire, Bad Fire by the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC).
This thought-provoking film explores the complex relationship between wildfires and the natural environment, shedding light on wildfire and its beneficial and destructive aspects in the American West.
Following the screening, we'll host a networking session to connect with fellow attendees, including environmental activists, community leaders, and others interested in wildfire management and climate action. Engage in meaningful conversation, exchange ideas, and explore collaborative opportunities to address California's wildfire challenges.
Don't miss this chance to learn, connect, and make a difference in the fight against destructive wildfires while understanding the role of good fire in maintaining ecological balance.
Food and drink will be provided.
RSVP HERE
Night of the Murdered Poets
Join us at the Southern California Arbeter Ring Educational Center for a poignant commemoration of the Night of the Murdered Poets, honoring the lives and legacy of the Yiddish writers and intellectuals executed by Stalin on August 12, 1952.
This 72nd-anniversary event will take place on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 1:00 pm.
The Night of the Murdered Poets saw the tragic end of 13 Soviet Jewish intellectuals, including renowned figures such as David Bergelson, Itzik Feffer, Peretz Markish, and Shmuel Halkin, who were falsely accused of espionage and treason. Their contributions to Yiddish literature and culture were immeasurable, and their unjust deaths marked a dark chapter in Jewish and literary history.
Our commemoration will feature readings of selected works by these martyred poets, providing a glimpse into their profound and resilient spirit. We will also sing songs taken from their writings, led by Ruth Judkowitz, Aaron Castill-White and Zach Golden. A candle-lighting ceremony will be held to honor their memory, followed by a moment of silence.
This event is an opportunity to reflect on the enduring power of literature and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Light refreshments will be served, and attendees are encouraged to engage in a dialogue about the significance of these poets’ work in today’s world.
All are welcome to join us in paying tribute to the Night of the Murdered Poets and ensuring that their voices continue to be heard and remembered.
Interfaith for All
Join us for an enriching evening of connection and collaboration at Kultur Mercado’s new program, "Interfaith for All: A Professionals Mixer," hosted by Kultur Mercado in partnership with America’s Future, Der Nister and more.
Diverse professionals from various faith backgrounds will gather to foster dialogue, understanding, and synergy. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this mixer offers a welcoming space to network and engage with like-minded individuals passionate about interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
Cultures of World-Building
Embark on a journey of imagination and creativity at 'Cultures of World-building,' an inspiring event featuring award-winning game designers and writers, Sharang Biswas and Jeeyon Shim.
Jewish Languages on the Stage
A panel on contemporary theater in Jewish languages, featuring Sarit Cofman-Simhon, author of From Language to Performance: Jewish Languages on Stage in Israel, in conversation with theater practitioners Motl Didner (Yiddish) and Karen Gerson Sarhon (Ladino). Sponsored by the HUC-JIR Jewish Language Project, co-sponsored by Alliance for Jewish Theatre, eSefarad, National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, Kultur Mercado, and Theatre Dybbuk.