17th Annual Israeli and Jewish Film Festival

January 8 - 25

The Israeli and Jewish Film Festival presents a diverse and inspiring lineup of award-winning films and engaging, educational programming that connects to both Jewish and Israeli stories.

Lights Camera L’Chaim!
Red Carpet Opening Night Party

Thursday, January 8

Red Carpet Event @ 6:00 PM

Film Screening @ 7:15

Step into the spotlight and join us for an unforgettable evening as we kick off the 2026 Jewish & Israeli Film Festival in style! Our Opening Night Red Carpet Event will set the tone for an extraordinary season of storytelling, culture, and connection. With “Shabbat–inspired” heavy hors d’oeuvre, beer and wine bar included. 

Film screening of Bad Shabbos and a Meet & Greet with Bad Shabbos screenwriter Zach Weiner

Walk the red carpet and pose in front of our festival step & repeat.

Bad Shabbos

Thursday, January 8

Film Screening @ 7:15 PM

Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead an incredible ensemble cast in the uproarious new comedy BAD SHABBOS, winner of the Audience Award for Best Narrative at the Tribeca Film Festival!

David and his fiancée Meg are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side when an accidental death (or murder?) gets in the way. With Meg’s Catholic parents due any moment, this family dinner soon spirals into a hilarious disaster.

The Ring

Sunday, January 11

Film Screening @ 1:00 PM

Arnon Noble is a religious man with a strong bond to his mother, a Holocaust survivor. When the mother’s health deteriorates, he travels to her old hometown, Budapest to search for the mythological ring that saved her life in the past.

 

Technion 102

Tuesday, January 13

Film Screening @ 7:00 PM

Technion, one of the world’s leading technological research institutions, opened in 1924 on Haifa’s Mt. Carmel. The school’s 100-year history paralleled and invigorated the growth of the State of Israel. Modern-day Israel, with its strong economy and scientific and technological achievements, owes a great deal to Technion. Meet the visionaries who began and grew this institution.

Pink Lady

Saturday, January 17

Film Screening @ 7:30 PM

Battie and Lazer, a young Jewish ultra-Orthodox couple receive an unmarked envelope with pictures of Lazer kissing another man. He tells her that the pictures are fabricated and that he is blackmailed by the Wolf’s gang who are terrorizing the ultra-Orthodox community. Unfortunately for Battie this is only partially true. 

Jews of the Wild West

Sunday, January 18

Film Screening @ 1:00PM

It is a feature length documentary. The independent not-for-profit film is produced by Electric Yolk Media and directed by award-winning filmmaker Amanda Kinsey. Through on-camera interviews, compelling footage, and historical photographs, the film tells a positive immigration story and highlights the dynamic contributions Jewish Americans made to shaping the Western United States. 

Bliss

Wednesday, January 21

Film Screening @ 7:00PM

Sassi and Efi, a loving couple burdened by debt left by Sassi’s son, face life’s hardships with humor despite their age gap. Their peaceful routine is disrupted when Omri, Sassi’s kind but impulsive grandson, and David, Efi’s former student, enter their lives, putting their relationship to the test. Eighteen years after Aviva, My Love, Sasson Gabai and Asi Levi reunite with director Shemi Zarhin for a funny and touching story about love, family, and loyalty that offers a warm yet painful reflection on today’s social realities.

 

The Magic of Theo Bikel

Sunday, January 25

4:00 PM

Aimee Ginsburg-Bikel, widow of the late, great icon Theodore Bikel, z”l. In honor of his centennial, Aimee has created a moving and memorable program that celebrates the incredible artistry, spirit, and global activism that Theo Bikel embodied throughout his long and remarkable life.

As the actor who played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof more than 2,000 times—more than any other performer—Theo Bikel captivated audiences with his warmth, wit, and humanity. But his legacy extends far beyond the stage. He was also a passionate advocate for social justice.

Through personal stories, rare video footage, and live musical tributes, Aimee Ginsburg-Bikel brings Theo’s story to life, offering a deeply personal and inspiring evening that honors his memory and the magic he brought to the world.

Mayim: A Celebration of Water
An Invitational Exhibit of Local Artists

December 18 - February 6

Reception

Thursday, Januray 15 at 7:00 PM

This exhibition addresses the important religious significance of water, or “mayim,” in Judaism, its critical need to be protected for human and environmental health, and the unique connection all humanity has to the finite, necessary resource.

Womens Night Out!
Kesher at The Loom: Quilling with Elana Asher

Sunday, February 5

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Join us for an interactive Women’s Night Out program at this special Kesher at The Loom evening in honor of Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year of the Trees. Local emerging artist Elana Asher will guide participants through the meditative and intricate art of quilling – the process of rolling, shaping, and gluing paper strips into beautiful designs. Choose between two stunning symbolic designs inspired by the Sheva Minim (Seven Species): the olive branch, a symbol of peace and resilience, or the pomegranate, representing abundance and connection. No prior experience needed. Light refreshments will be served.

The Art of Seeing
The Photography of Alex Nyeres

February 12 - April 10

Opening Reception

Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM

Since 1839, photography has captured moments of light and shadow, freezing them in time and transforming them into art. Alex Nyerges, an internationally acclaimed photographer, curator, author, and photo historian, has created images for over 40 years. He is the Director and CEO of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond.

Guys Mintus Trio
A Gershwin Playground

Thursday, March 12

6:30 - 8:00 PM

Israeli-born pianist Guy Mintus blends classical finesse, jazz spontaneity, and rockstar energy. Alongside trio members Alon Near and Philippe Lemm, he performs bold reimaginings of Gershwin classics from their album A Gershwin Playground, featuring hits like “Summertime” and “Rhapsody in Blue.”

Colors of Spring
Metro Richmond Artists Association

April 16 - June 5

Opening Reception

Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 PM

A diverse selection of works by members of the Metro Richmond Artists Association (MRAA), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting visual arts through exhibitions, workshops, and community programs.

Adolf-Adams JCC Forum
An Evening with Ambassador Roger Carstens

Thursday, May 7

7:30 PM

Ambassador Roger D. Carstens is a leading figure in diplomacy and hostage affairs, widely respected for his commitment to humanitarian values and protecting Americans abroad. From 2020 to 2025, he served as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), leading negotiations with the Taliban, Assad regime, Maduro government, China, Russia, Belarus, and terrorist organizations including the Haqqani Network, Houthis, and JNIM….

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