Winnipeg’s sixth annual Tarbut: Festival of Jewish Culture has scored a major coup in bringing prominent American diplomat Dennis Ross to headline the event, which takes place this year Nov. 14 to 22.
Ross will be in Winnipeg on Nov. 15, to speak about his new book, Doomed to Succeed: the U.S.-Israeli Relationship from Truman to Obama.
“We are thrilled to have Ambassador Ross as part of our exciting lineup,” says Tamar Barr, Rady JCC’s assistant executive director.
“Our Winnipeg audiences have come to expect the best in entertainment at Tarbut, and this year is no exception.”
For 12 years, Ross played a leading role in shaping American involvement in the Middle East peace process, Barr notes. He was the point man in negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians for both former presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
Tarbut evolved from the long-standing Jewish Book Fair, which took place at the Asper campus for many years. Six years ago, the Rady JCC – which had long been charged with organizing the weeklong book fair – decided to change the format of the yearly event and expand its mandate. Authors are still featured, and many books and Jewish crafts are still on display, but the program has been enhanced with concerts by Israeli and other performers, comedy, Jewish-themed movies and an exhibit featuring the art of Winnipeg Jewish artists.
Other featured authors are American Nomi Eve, whose latest novel, Henna House, portrays the traditions and customs of Yemenite Jewry in mid-20th century; and local authors David Matas, reading from his recent autobiography, and Danita Aziza reading from her latest book, Finding Home: A Journey of Life Lessons in the Land of Israel.
The musical portion of Tarbut kicks off on opening night with popular local bandleader Ron Paley and his band doing a tribute to modern Jewish singer-composers Billy Joel, Neil Diamond, Neil Sedaka, Barry Manilow and Bette Midler. Israel’s Omri Barel will also be performing.
“We are very excited to also have, from Israel, Baladino, performing Ladino music, and Pharaoh’s Daughter,” American Basya Schechter and her band playing pieces based on traditional prayers and poems from the liturgy, Barr says.
The films being screened at Tarbut this year are Hunting Elephants, an Israeli heist caper comedy starring Patrick Stewart; and Dough, a humorous British film about the relationship between an elderly Jewish baker and his assistant, a young Muslim from Darfur in western Sudan.
“Tarbut has become the pre-eminent arts event in the community, garnering more and more attention each and every year,” Barr says. “We drew more than 3,200 people last year and expect to better that number this year.”
Tarbut also receives funding and support from the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba, the Consulate General of Israel, the Rabbi Rappaport Education and Lecture Series Trust and other local corporate sponsors and private individuals.
