La Jolla is about to come alive with storytelling, music, laughter, and cultural reflection as the 32nd annual Jewish Arts Festival—affectionately known as JFest—returns from May 21 through June 30.
Spanning more than a month, JFest is not just a celebration of Jewish heritage—it’s an artistic journey that bridges tradition and innovation, grief and joy, community and individuality. With events unfolding across multiple stages in La Jolla and beyond, the festival invites audiences of all backgrounds to experience world-class performances that are deeply rooted in the Jewish experience, yet universally resonant.
What Makes JFest Unique
Founded in 1993, JFest stands apart for its intimate blend of art and activism, honoring Jewish voices while tackling themes of resilience, identity, memory, and cultural pride. It’s one of the only festivals in the country where you can attend a Broadway-style musical tribute one night and a deep philosophical panel discussion the next, all grounded in lived Jewish experience.
What truly defines JFest, however, is the way it uses art as a lens for community reflection. Many performances are inspired by real people, real struggles, and real triumphs—making each show feel personal, powerful, and purpose-driven.
Must-See JFest Highlights
🌟 Women of Valor
Perhaps the most moving event in this year’s lineup, Women of Valor honors six remarkable Jewish women through live performance, song, and storytelling. One tribute will be dedicated to Lori Kaye, who lost her life in the 2019 Poway synagogue shooting. This heartfelt piece offers a powerful reminder of courage and compassion in the face of tragedy.
🎤 Alex Edelman: Just for Us
Catch award-winning comedian Alex Edelman in his internationally acclaimed one-man show. Smart, sharp, and deeply funny, Edelman’s performance blends humor and vulnerability as he explores identity, family, and unexpected encounters with extremism—with a comedic twist only he can deliver.
🎶 The Jewish Legacy on Broadway
Love musicals? Don’t miss this musical celebration of iconic Jewish Broadway composers—from Sondheim to the Gershwins, Bernstein to Kander & Ebb. It's a toe-tapping, nostalgia-filled reminder of just how much Jewish artistry has shaped American theater.
🧠 The Future of University Education
Join a thought-provoking panel featuring former Yale president Peter Salovey in a candid discussion on the future of higher education. With rising tensions on campuses and growing debates over academic freedom, this event promises insight and dialogue on one of today’s most pressing issues.
More Than Just a Festival
Whether you're there for the comedy, the culture, or the conversation, JFest offers an unforgettable way to engage with Jewish heritage through the arts. It’s a place where legacies are honored, stories are shared, and connections are made. And you don’t have to be Jewish to find meaning in these stories—you just need to be open to the experience.
🎟️ Tickets and full schedule available at sdjfest.org
