Jewish Film Festival

Two days, three feature films, three shorts, and one conversation with a Director and Cinematographer later, I'm thrilled to report the third annual Northern Nevada Jewish Film Festival was a success. We just about sold out — it was wonderful (and a relief) to look up from the floor to see most seats taken. I can't say how much I appreciate the support of our Jewish and broader community, both by attending and sponsoring, and in particular, our Temple Emanu-El congregation. Your very, very generous sponsorships made it possible to bring in "Watching Walter" Director Mitch Yapko and Cinemotogher Bryon Evans for a Q&A. 

It was a pleasure to co-sponsor this event with Jewish Nevada — Mara Langer is a workhorse! Susan Nissenbaum and Adi Kalish were also an integral part of the team that helped make it happen. The Galaxy Theater Victorian management and staff couldn't have been more accommodating. In fact, their part in all this is worth a behind the scenes look.

I had no idea what it took to bring the films to the big screen! I provided copies of the films on an external hard drive, but from there they needed to be reformatted and downloaded to their server. That was a many hours long project done by their tech staff. Then they did rehearsals over several days to ensure the timing — lights on, lights down, microphones on/off, show movies — was right. By Sunday, it was perfect. Apart from the work it took to make sure the actual showings went smoothly, they had staff (thank you Andrew) on scene throughout to monitor it all. Plus the Galaxy threw in a free popcorn! There's nothing like seeing films in a movie theater with all its amenities on the big screen in lounger seats. I can't imagine having our next Film Festival anywhere else. 

One of the highlights for many of you and certainly me, was learning a bit about why and how the short film "Watching Walter" came to fruition. Mitch and Bryon did a beautiful job of explaining both. It's a treat to learn the backstory of a film — its genesis and creation, something that's not usually accessible through Google!

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention security. The security team was amazing. Thankfully, there were absolutely no issues, but they did everything to make sure we were safe if there was any concern. I won't give all the details, but it even included a bomb-sniffing dog. I hope we never need intervention by security, but it's reassuring to know they're on top of it. 

We do value your opinions about the event and would appreciate feedback. Feel free to write to administrator@renoemanuel.org with your comments. 

That's about it! I hope to see you at the movies next year.

Sue Edmondson

Third Annual Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair - 2025

There's only one word needed to describe the event and that's "SUCCESS!" Hundreds of people came in to shop from a variety of local vendors, to buy raffle tickets and to indulge in the cookies (made by Jan Carver and her band of volunteer bakers), popcorn, and coffee.

The vendors all did well, always something we hope happens. Neither they nor we were disappointed! The free chair massages couldn't have been more popular, benefitting shoppers (we volunteers may have taken a few minutes off for one or two) and the interns who needed the hours. It was especially fun to see the kids with their painted faces, thanks to Maayan.

As Program Committee Chair, Jan says her goal is to bring people into our synagogue and make them feel comfortable, like a home. This Holiday Bazaar certainly accomplished that. Both vendors and shoppers commented on how friendly and welcoming we are, and how much they enjoyed themselves.

Thanks to the excellent raffle prizes donated by local restaurants and other businesses, Temple Emanu-El made a healthy profit. We so appreciate their support.

Of course, none of this would have happened had it not been for our volunteers, starting with Jan (chief organizer/vendor enlister/raffle collector/baker), Maayan (who not only did face painting but enlisted her mother-in-law to help with baking), Florence, Charli, Iris, Idora, Sue and Yudi. We also thank Jacob, GC, Steve, Larry and Rabbi Katz for helping us move tables and chairs in and out of the Social Hall and doing security.

All in all, a truly Temple Emanu-El group effort!