Jewish Cultural Celebration 2026
November 16 – 20, 2026
Please join the Jewish Student Association and the James Farmer Multicultural Center in this celebration of Jewish traditions and community uplift.
JCC Week Kickoff – Service Activity
Monday, November 16 | 5:30 pm | TBD
This kickoff event for the Jewish Cultural Celebration will provide opportunities for individuals to engage in community service projects while learning about the Jewish value of giving back or Tzedakah. This is a special event dedicated to performing acts of philanthropy while educating about the roots, branches, and values of the Jewish community. This event is open to everyone!
Jewish Cultural Dinner at the Top of the CRUC
Tuesday, November 17 | 5:00 p.m. | Restaurants at the Top of the CRUC, Cedric Rucker University Center
Cost with Campus Meal Plan: 1 meal swipe or $15.73 flex. The cost for EagleOne or credit card is $18.17, plus tax, and $5.41 plus tax for children ages 4 – 10. The cost for UMW faculty/staff is $7.80.
Co-sponsored by University Dining
Join the Jewish Student Association for themed dinner, and learn about upcoming events.
Jewish Cultural Celebration Major Performance: Heavy Shtetl Klezmer Band
Thursday, November 19 | 7:00 p.m. | Digital Auditorium, Hurley Convergence Center
Heavy Shtetl was “born” in October of 2016 when four members of the klezmer ensemble Klezm’Or’Ami’m(which started in 1994 and is still going strong.) recruited vocalist Jessica Sims to start a “side project” to perform in smaller spaces like restaurants, coffee shops and bars. We played our first gig in August of 2017 and have since performed at over 60 gigs in Central Virginia
Heavy Shtetl performs klezmer, an up-beat, joyful music that originated in Jewish communities of Eastern Europe when small groups of wandering musicians traveled from village to village, playing klezmer music for both Jewish and non-Jewish events . In addition to rousing instrumentals, you will hear vocals sung in Yiddish, English, Hebrew and Ladino– an old-world language spoken by Sephardic Jews from the Mediterranean region. So, get ready to party and dance the Hora to some lively tunes!
Heavy Shtetl is Malik Riley, Peter Sims, Steve Shapiro, Bruce Gould and Jessica Sims with guest appearances by members of Klezm’Or’Ami’m.
Shabbat Dinner
Friday, November 20 | 5:00 p.m. | Chandler Ballroom C, Cedric Rucker University Center
The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday and continues until three stars appear in the sky on Saturday night. During Shabbat, families, friends, and community come together to reflect on the week and enjoy a nice meal. Join the Jewish Student Association as we conclude our week of celebration and enjoy a Sabbat dinner together.
All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. For more information, please contact the James Farmer Multicultural Center at (540) 654-1044 or visit the James Farmer Multicultural Center website. Please email us at jfmc@umw.edu if you have any questions regarding disability-related accommodations.