The Jewish Music & Cultural Festival (JMAC), celebrated our Jewish Community on Sunday, September 29, 2013 from noon to 6 pm on the campus of the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse.

JMAC recognized the Jewish institutions that are so important to our community, and many of which are celebrating big anniversary milestones. The theme this year was: Tradition!

It was an afternoon of music by internationally known artists The Guy Mendilow Ensemble, as well as Zetz!, Farrah, West of Odessa, and local favorites Keyna Hora Klezmer Band and Jonathan Dinkin and Klezmercuse to name a few.

Once again, a selection of (Va’ad supervised) Kosher Jewish foods was served both indoors and outside. Attendees could purchase brisket, turkey and corned beef sandwiches, falafel, kugel, knishes, hot dogs and... NEW this year: stuffed cabbage, matzo ball soup!

Many attendees had a chance to visit the Community tents sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Central New York, featuring Jewish organizations along with area synagogues. Plus another highlight at the festival was the return of the "Rabbis' Corner", where Central New York rabbis shared different aspects of Jewish Tradition.

At the Festival, there was an area for seniors with seating under a big tent. There was also complimentary bottles of water and seniors could order their food as well at the Senior Tent. The “Senior” Tent was sponsored by the Jerome and Phyllis Charney Foundation.

As always, there were activities for children of all ages including the return of the Robert Rogers Puppet Theater; an interesting & eclectic array of artisans; and other vendors.

The festival is sponsored in part by the Jewish Federation of Central New York; a state grant secured by Senator John A. DeFrancisco; CNY Arts; the Pomeranz Fund, the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse,  Paul B. & Georgina H. Roth Charitable Foundation and Jerome & Phyllis Charney Foundation. The Food Court was sponsored by Smith Contemporary Furniture, Barry & Deborah Shulman and Lynn & Corinne Smith. Corporate sponsors included: Price Chopper, Tiffany’s Catering, Raymour and Flanigan, M&T Bank, Key Bank, Natur-Tyme and Exhibits & More. Media sponsors included Time Warner Cable, “Eagle Newspapers,” SUNNY 102,  “Syracuse New Times;” and the “Jewish Observer.”