MAY 8 – 18
TICKETS AND PASSES
TICKETS
FILM SCREENINGS
CONCERTS $19 – $25* PASSES FLEX PACKAGE
JXJ EVENTS INCLUDING ALL FILMS AND CONCERTS UNDER 30 PASS
JXJ EVENTS INCLUDING ALL FILMS AND CONCERTS
Purchase Tickets
Advance Sales: Visit JxJDC.org or call 202.777.3210 (phone representative available Monday-Friday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
Same-Day Sales: The box office will open for same-day sales (when inventory remains) one hour prior to the first screening of the day at each venue.
Questions? Email boxoffice@jxjdc.org or call 202.777.3210.
* Discounts are available for students and impacted federal workers. Learn more on our website: JxJDC.org
* All tickets are inclusive of a $1 ticketing fee
Terms and Details
All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges, except in the event of a cancellation. If an event sells out, tickets will be released through a rush line on a first-come first-serve basis, as tickets become available. Seating is only guaranteed for ticket and passholders until 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of an event.
Concessions
Concessions will be available for Edlavitch DCJCC (EDCJCC) events. Concessions will be available at other JxJ venues at their discretion.
EDLAVITCH DCJCC
— GOLDMAN THEATER
— CAFRITZ HALL
1529 16th Street NW
Washinton, DC
BETHESDA ROW CINEMA
7235 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, MD
CINEMA ARTS THEATRE
9650 Main Street
Fairfax, VA
Check out our Facebook and Instagram for exclusive updates, behind-the scenes content, festival information, ticket giveaways, and more! /JxJFest JxJFest
The EDCJCC embraces inclusion in all its programs and activities.
A NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR YAEL LUTTWAK
Thank you for coming to the 2025 JxJ DC Jewish Film and Music Festival!
In Jewish tradition, the Hebrew word for joy, sameach, holds deep meaning. We are not commanded to be “happy,” but we are called to embrace joy, even in the face of hardship. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks once said, “Happiness is something you can feel alone, but joy, in the Hebrew Bible, is something you share with others.”
This year’s Festival lineup centers on the universal themes of love and joy; the forces that bind us as humans and transcend all boundaries. We invite you to experience stories that speak to the heart through the powerful mediums of film and music.
We are thrilled to be launching the Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund - the only fund of its kind in North America - producing two short films a year that highlight Jewish culture. The premiere of the first two short films will be on Opening Night, May 8 at the EDCJCC.
Throughout the year we have showcased films to bear witness to the October 7 tragedy and the Holocaust. This year, we have consciously dedicated the Festival to celebrating joy, Jewish culture, and community.
Joy increases when we can share it with others. Even in this moment, we are meant to share our joy.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 8
7:30 PM OPENING NIGHT: Bad Shabbos + Matthew Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund Premiere
7:30 PM Beth El Night at JxJ : Bad Shabbos
Saturday, May 10
7:30 PM The Zweiflers Part 1
7:30 PM Sapir
7:30 PM The Zweiflers Part 1
EDCJCC
Bethesda Row Cinema
Cinema Arts Theatre
Sunday, May 11
12:00 PM Real Estate 12:00 PM Pink Lady 2:00 PM Pink Lady 2:00 PM Unspoken 4:00 PM Unspoken 4:00 PM 31 Candles 4:00 PM Sapir
7:30 PM The True Story of Tamara de Lempicka & the Art of Survival
7:30 PM Mazel Tov
7:30 PM 21% Screening: Eid
Monday, May 12
7:30 PM The Zweiflers Part 2
7:30 PM This Is My Mother
7:30 PM The Zweiflers Part 2
Tuesday, May 13
7:30 PM 21% Screening: Eid
7:30 PM Auction
7:30 PM Washington Hebrew Congregation Night at JxJ: Matchmaking 2
Wednesday, May 14
7:30 PM Blind At Heart
7:30 PM Nor By Day Nor By Night
7:30 PM Charles Grodin: Rebel With A Cause
Thursday, May 15
7:30 PM Elie Weisel: Soul On Fire
7:30 PM The Property
7:30 PM Come Closer
7:30 PM Bad Shabbos
Saturday, May 17
6:00 PM Seth Kibel
7:30 PM Gili Yalo
7:30 PM Come Closer
7:30 PM Matchmaking 2
Sunday, May 18
12:00 PM Unspoken
12:00 PM Charles Grodin: Rebel With A Cause
1:30 PM The Maccabeats
2:00 PM Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause
2:00 PM Shorts Program
4:00 PM Anat Cohen
4:00 PM Richard Solloway JxJ Teen Film Contest
4:00 PM Come Closer
7:30 PM CLOSING NIGHT: Matchmaking 2
7:30 PM 31 Candles
9:00 PM Mazel Tov
Prefer to purchase ticket in person or over the phone?
The Box Office can be reached at 202.777.3210.
Box Office Hours are from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, and will open for same-day sales (if inventory remains) one hour prior to the first event of the day at each venue. Purchase your tickets or passes today at
BAD SHABBOS
Dir. Daniel Robbins | 84 min
Narrative | United States | 2024 | English
“A strong ensemble cast nails the tasty dialogue and increasingly frantic action without falling into shtick.” —VARIETY
David and his fiancée Meg expect a quiet Shabbat dinner with his family on New York’s Upper West Side—but when an accidental death (or murder?) derails the evening, chaos ensues. With Meg’s Catholic parents about to meet David’s Jewish family, the night quickly spirals into a comedy of biblical proportions.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation.
OPENING NIGHT
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception following the screening – 9:00 PM in the 16th Street Lobby, EDCJCC
Additional Screenings:
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema (Beth El Night at JxJ)
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
MATCHMAKING 2
Dir. Erez Tadmor | 100 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024
Hebrew w/ English subtitles
“Endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic.”
—Miami Jewish Film Festival
Baruch, a Yeshiva man past his prime for marriage, is tasked with picking up Shira from the airport. When a flight delay traps them in the airport over Shabbat, Baruch falls for her despite knowing he has no chance. An emotional rollercoaster forces him to confront his past and open his heart to the love he never expected.
This program is proudly sponsored by Daniel Hirsch and Brenda Gruss.
CLOSING NIGHT
Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM –Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception prior to the screening – 6:30 PM in the 16th Street Lobby, EDCJCC
Additional Screenings:
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row
Cinema (Washington Hebrew Congregation Night at JxJ)
Saturday, May 17, 7:30 PM –Cinema Arts Theatre
Elijah
Dir. Sam Roebling | 14 min
Narrative Short | United States | 2024 | English
When a homeless man crashes a Passover seder, the tension between dark comedy and serious social issues erupts. Elijah explores the unexpected clash of humor and discomfort as the guests wrestle with their own assumptions and the complexities of charity, belonging, and identity.
Special appearance by director Sam Roebling.
HOW YOU MAKE A TORAH
Dir. Lauren Greenhall | 10 min
Documentary Short | United States | 2024 | English
From scraping the flesh off deer-hide in the backyard to stocking up on medical-grade scalpel blades, the first generation of women Torah scribes are preparing for the ultimate quest — to sit alone in a room for hours on end and write a Torah.
Special appearance by director Lauren Greenhall.
These films were made possible by the Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund. Learn more on page 27.
OPENING NIGHT
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception following the screening – 9:00 PM in the 16th Street Lobby, EDCJCC
OPENING NIGHT
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception following the screening – 9:00 PM in the 16th Street Lobby, EDCJCC
THE 21 o/o : THE LIVES OF ARAB CITIZENS OF ISRAEL
Our annual program exploring the daily lives and challenges of Arab citizens of Israel.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Greater Washington Forum on Israeli Arab Issues and the Edlavitch DCJCC. Lead support provided by The Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation.
EID
Dir. Yousef Abo Madegem| 90 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024 Hebrew w/ English subtitles
“A moving, entertaining drama that will keep you engrossed from start to finish, even if you’ve never thought much about Bedouin culture before.”
—Hannah Brown, The Jerusalem Post
Eid, a young man from Rahat with dreams of becoming a playwright, secretly writes a play based on the sexual assault he experienced as a child. He finds solace in a long-distance relationship with a married actress in Paris, but when his family arranges a marriage, he finds himself suddenly trapped between tradition and his own desires.
Sunday, May 11, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
31 CANDLES
Dir. Jonah Feingold | 90 min
Narrative | United States | 2025
English
Leo Kadner, a 30-year-old New Yorker, has a Bar Mitzvah after reconnecting with his childhood crush Eva Shapiro. To complete his Mitzvah project, Leo must deal with situationships, exes, and family while on a deadline. This program is proudly sponsored by Rhoda and Daniel Glickman.
AUCTION
Dir. Pascal Bonitzer | 91 min
Narrative | France | 2024
French w/ English Subtitles
Confident modern art appraiser André Masson is as cool and collected in his work as he is with his ex-partner Bettina (Léa Drucker, Last Summer). When he uncovers a long-lost Egon Schiele masterpiece, his carefully controlled world is suddenly disrupted.
Sunday, May 11, 4:00 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
BAD SHABBOS
Dir. Daniel Robbins | 84 min
Narrative | United States | 2024
English
David and his fiancée Meg expect a quiet Shabbat dinner with his family on New York’s Upper West Side — but when an accidental death (or murder?) derails the evening, chaos ensues. With Meg’s Catholic parents about to meet David’s Jewish family, the night quickly spirals into a comedy of biblical proportions.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation.
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC (Opening Night)
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema (Beth El Night at JxJ)
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
BLIND AT HEART
Dir. Barbara Albert | 136 min
Narrative | Germany, Switzerland | 2024 German w/ English Subtitles
“A handsome, richly textured work… Mala Emde is so magnetic in the central role.” —Screen Daily
Barbara Albert adapts Julia Franck’s German Book Prizewinning Novel Die Mittagsfrau (The Blindness of the Heart) into a moral tale about Hélène, a young Jewish woman in 1920s Berlin who hides her identity to pursue a medical career. As Nazism rises, her ambitions and relationships shift, forcing her to make drastic decisions that challenge her sense of self and independence.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Nussdorf Family Foundation.
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
WOMEN IN FILM
CHARLES GRODIN: REBEL WITH A CAUSE
Dir. James L. Freedman | 93 min
Documentary | United States | 2025 | English
Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Charles Grodin’s life embodied the concept of tikkun olam.
Charles Grodin: Rebel with a Cause not only celebrates his hilarious acting career, but also his remarkable, decadeslong, successful fight to get wrongly convicted people — most of whom were mothers of color with young children — out of prison.
Conversation with director James L. Freedman following all screenings.
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
Sunday, May 18, 12:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
COME CLOSER
Dir. Tom Nesher | 107 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024 | Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Tribeca Film Festival 2024 Viewpoint Award
In this emotional drama, Eden’s world is turned upside down after the tragic death of her beloved younger brother. Devastated by grief, she spirals into increasingly desperate actions to cope with her loss.
Conversation with director Tom Nesher following all screenings. This program is proudly sponsored by Ginny & Irwin Edlavitch. This program is also proudly supported by the Israeli Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North American Program Accelerator and Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Theater
Saturday, May 17, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 4:00 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
WOMEN IN FILM
EID
Dir. Yousef Abo Madegem| 90 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024 | Hebrew w/ English subtitles
Eid, a young man from Rahat with dreams of becoming a playwright, secretly writes a play based on the sexual assault he experienced as a child. He finds solace in a long-distance relationship with a married actress in Paris, but when his family arranges a marriage, he finds himself suddenly trapped between tradition and his own desires.
Conversation with director Yousef Abo Madegem and activist Amal Al Sana following the screenings.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Greater Washington Forum on Israeli Arab Issues and the Edlavitch DCJCC. Lead support provided by The Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation.
ELIE WIESEL: SOUL ON FIRE
Dir. Oren Rudavsky | 87 min
Documentary | United States | 2024 | English
“A crucial testament to an extraordinary man who helped shape our collective memory of the darkest chapter of the 20th century.” —New York Jewish Film Festival
Told largely through his own words and eloquent voice, Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire seeks to penetrate to the heart of the known and unknown Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) - his passions, his conflicts, and his legacy as one of the most public survivors of the trauma of the Holocaust.
Conversation with director Oren Rudavsky and co-producer
Dr. Annette Insdorf following the screening.
Sunday, May 11, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
This program is proudly sponsored by Dan Mendelson and Jennifer Loew Mendelson.
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
MATCHMAKING 2
Dir. Erez Tadmor | 100 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Baruch, a Yeshiva man past his prime for marriage, is tasked with picking up Shira from the airport. When a flight delay traps them in the airport over Shabbat, Baruch falls for her despite knowing he has no chance.
This program is proudly sponsored by Daniel Hirsch and Brenda Gruss.
Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema (Washington Hebrew Congregation Night at JxJ)
Saturday, May 17, 7:30 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC (Closing Night)
Reception prior to screening – 6:30 PM in 16th Street Lobby, EDCJCC.
MAZEL TOV
Dir. Adrián Suar | 97 min
Narrative | Argentina | 2025
Spanish w/ English subtitles
From acclaimed Argentinean actor and director Adrián Suar comes a heartfelt, humorously touching tale of family, forgiveness, and the ties that bring us back home.
When Dario Roitman returns to Argentina for a family wedding and Bat Mitzvah, he expects the usual family drama. His plans are upended when he learns, just hours before his flight, that his father has passed away. As the Roitman family gathers for the funeral, old wounds and tensions resurface.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Embassy of Argentina.
Sunday, May 11, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 9:00 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
NOR BY DAY NOR BY NIGHT
Dir. Phinehas Veuillet | 90 min
Narrative | Israel | 2024
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Set in Bnei Brak, this powerful drama by Phinehas Veuillet follows Shmuel, the patriarch of a Sephardic family whose son Rafael is denied acceptance into a prestigious Ashkenazi Yeshiva, despite being a top student. The family believes this rejection stems from their Sephardic background. Determined to fight the injustice, Shmuel’s actions lead to tragic consequences.
Conversation with Afraim Katzir, Executive Director of SHIN DC, following the screening.
This program is proudly sponsored by Shin DC.
PINK LADY
Dir. Nir Bergman | 106 min
Narrative | Israel | 2025
Hebrew w/ English subtitles
In an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem, Bati, a young wife and mother of three, has a seemingly perfect life with her husband Lazer. However, their world begins to crumble when Lazer is blackmailed over a secret affair with his male study partner. Desperate to protect her family and the man she loves, Bati supports Lazer as he undergoes conversion therapy to “cure” his homosexuality. As she grapples with her own emotions, Bati uncovers her own hidden desires.
Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 11, 12:00 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema Sunday, May 11, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
REAL ESTATE
Dir. Anat Malz | 99 min
Narrative | France, Israel | 2024
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Tamara and Adam, a chaotic and unpredictable couple, are on the brink of parenthood, but their lives are in turmoil. Just before being forced out of their Tel Aviv apartment, Tamara decides to look for a new home in Adam’s hometown of Haifa. What begins as a search for a place to live quickly becomes a deep dive into the heart of their intense, yet complicated relationship during one unforgettable day of apartment hunting.
SAPIR
Dir. Liran Atzmor | 68 min
Documentary | Israel | 2024
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Sapir Berman is a trailblazer in the global movement for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional sports. Born near Haifa, she quickly rose from soccer player to Premier League referee at 26, all while keeping her true identity a secret. When she came out as a transgender woman, she faced the challenge of continuing her career during her transition. Conversation with director Liran Atzmor following all screenings.
Sunday, May 11, 12:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 11, 4:00 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
WOMEN IN FILM
LGBTQ+
THE PROPERTY
Dir. Dana Modan | 108 min
Narrative | Poland, Israel | 2025
Hebrew Polish and English w/ English Subtitles
Dana Modan’s adaptation of Rutu Modan’s award-winning graphic novel was nominated for four Israeli Academy Awards, including Best Screenplay.
Regina and her granddaughter Mika travel to Poland to reclaim family property lost during World War II. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when Regina abandons the mission, leaving Mika to navigate the challenges alone.
THE TRUE STORY OF TAMARA DE LEMPICKA & THE ART OF SURVIVAL
Dir. Julie Rubio | 96 min
Documentary | United States | 2024 | English
The True Story of Tamara De Lempicka & the Art of Survival is a visually stunning and sweeping feature documentary that traces the life and survival of the renowned painter through her powerful body of work – from her rise to international stardom in 1920s Paris to her move to the United States fleeing fascism in 1940 to her revival in the current art market.
Conversation with director Julie Rubio and co-producer Blake Wallen following the screening.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Embassy of Poland.
Thursday, May 15, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 11, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception following the screening – 6:30 PM in Kay Community Hall, EDCJCC
WOMEN IN FILM
WOMEN IN FILM
THE ZWEIFLERS
Dirs. David Hadda, Sarah Hadda & Juri Sternburg | 305 min
TV Narrative | Germany | 2024
German, English, Hebrew, and Russian w/ English Subtitles
The six-part series was edited into two parts for the 2025 JxJ Festival.
Symcha Zweifler (Mike Burstyn), the patriarch of a delicatessen empire, plans to sell his business but is unexpectedly confronted by his past in Frankfurt’s red-light district.
This program is proudly sponsored by the Embassy of Germany.
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Reception prior to the screening – 6:30 PM in Kay Community Hall, EDCJCC
Saturday, May 10, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
THIS IS MY MOTHER
Dir. Julien Carpentier | 105 min
Narrative | France | 2024
French w/ English Subtitles
Pierre, a successful 33-year-old florist, is thrown off balance when his mother Judith reappears after two years. Mercurial and extravagant, Judith struggles with bipolar disorder and has just escaped from a clinic.
Pierre’s only goal is to send her back quickly and restore his routine. But things don’t go as planned. Their unpredictable reunion, both humorous and emotional, will change Pierre and Judith in ways they never imagined.
This program is proudly sponsored by Deborah and Michael Salzberg.
Monday, May 12, 7:30 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Monday, May 12, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Monday, May 12, 7:30 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
LGBTQ+
UNSPOKEN
Dir. Jeremy Borison | 91 min
Narrative | United States | 2024 | English
“Jeremy Borison’s ‘Unspoken’ is a triumph for a debut film director. I was blown away by this brilliantly understated and deceptively simple film.” —Simi Horwitz, The Forward
When a closeted, religious teenager discovers a love letter from before the Holocaust, written to his grandfather by another man, he realizes he may not be as alone as he thought. With the help of his high school crush, he embarks on a journey to uncover the mysterious letter’s author, his grandfather’s hidden past, and ultimately his own identity. This program is proudly sponsored by by Sid and Linda Moskowitz.
Sunday, May 11, 2:00 PM – Bethesda Row Cinema
Sunday, May 11, 4:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 12:00 PM – Cinema Arts Theatre
LGBTQ+
EXES
Dir. Itay Segal | 2023 | Israel | 20 min
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
For some time, Roy has been planning what he would say to his ex when he ran into him. He never imagined that it would happen in his onenight stand’s apartment.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
THE HOLINESS
Dir. Daniel Moreshet | 2025 | Israel | 17 min
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Vered and Avihai, a religious Jewish couple, secretly embrace a secular life behind closed doors. Their carefully hidden double life unravels when their teenage daughter catches them watching TV on Shabbat—the holiest night in Judaism—forcing them to confront the cracks in their carefully constructed facade.
Conversation with director Daniel Moreshet following the screening.
This program is proudly supported by the Israeli Engagement Fund: A JCC Association of North American Program Accelerator and Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.
KOSHER TEST
Dir. Riki Rotter | 2024 | Israel | 16 min
Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Tamar, an ultra-Orthodox girl from an extremist community, is taken to the hospital by her beloved father, who thinks she has had sex. Her relationship with her father and her virginity is put to the test.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
WOMEN IN FILM
MORE THAN FRIENDS
Dir. Omri Laron | 2023 | Israel | 19 min Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
A quirky lesbian mom discovers a love letter written by her 11-year-old son to another boy. Concerned about her son’s social status, she crashes a birthday party to keep a close eye on him.
PUFFS
Dir. Chaya Moshayev | 2024 | Israel | 14 min Russian and Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
Ella and Edik, brothers in a traditional Mizrahi family, arrive early on holiday to their childhood home. There they find their homophobic father - dead and dressed in women’s clothes.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
WOMENIN FILM
SEE YOU ‘ROUND THE BLOCK
Dir. Daniel Gat | 2023 | Israel | 15 min Hebrew w/ English Subtitles
As the morning rises over Tel Aviv, Dror encounters his ex-boyfriend Eitan. Both are on their way back home from a long night out. When it turns out that Eitan has moved right across the street from Dror’s apartment, they realize that they have no choice but to take their “walk of shame” together.
Sunday, May 18, 2:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
THE MACCABEATS
Often traveling with little more than shirts on their backs and the ties around their necks, the Maccabeats have wowed audiences across the globe from Alabama to New Zealand and everywhere in between.
Blending sharp harmonies, a polished style, and a dose of Jewish humor, this dynamic a cappella group creates an unforgettable experience that resonates with fans of all ages and backgrounds.
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation is the lead sponsor of the Washington Jewish Music Festival.
Sunday, May 18, 1:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
ANAT COHEN
Charismatic, prolific, and endlessly inspired, Grammy Award-nominated clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her expressive virtuosity and captivating stage presence. The New York Times raves, “Ms. Cohen on the clarinet was a revelation. In her upper register, she evoked pure joy; in the lower, a soulful melancholy. On fast-paced tunes, her improvisations weren’t just bebop quick—they were marked by rare clarity and intelligence. She made the most challenging reed instrument seem effortless... and she left me breathless.”
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation is the lead sponsor of the Washington Jewish Music Festival.
Sunday, May 18, 4:00 PM. – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
SETH KIBEL
Join Seth and the band for a captivating journey through the music of legendary Jewish songwriters whose works became cornerstones of the Great American Songbook. From the Gershwin brothers to Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin to Harold Arlen, and beyond, they’ll breathe new life into these timeless classics. With insightful commentary from Seth, you’ll discover the deep Jewish influence on these iconic artists and how their music bridged the gap between the Old World and the New.
Seth began his professional klezmer career in 1993 with Cayuga Klezmer Revival, upstate New York’s premier klezmer R&B band. Their CD, Klezmology, is still sold nationally. Seth is currently the leader, clarinetist, and composer for The Alexandria Kleztet, an “alternative” klezmer R&B Band he founded in the Baltimore/Washington area.
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation is the lead sponsor of the Washington Jewish Music Festival.
Saturday, May 17, 6:00 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
GILI YALO
Gili Yalo is one of the most captivating and innovative artists in the Israeli music scene. With a unique blend of Ethiopian roots, soul, funk, psychedelic, and jazz, he creates a sound that is both deeply soulful and refreshingly modern. Gili seamlessly weaves the rich textures of traditional Ethiopian music into contemporary production, crafting vibrant, mesmerizing melodies that pull you in from the first note.
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation is the lead sponsor of the Washington Jewish Music Festival.
Saturday, May 17, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
The Richard Solloway JxJ Teen Film Contest supports JxJ’s mission to lift up young filmmakers by inviting students ages 13-18 to explore the theme of identity. The contest challenges participants to create a 1–3-minute short film answering the question, “What does identity mean to you?”
In addition to the contest, JxJ offers workshops throughout Virginia, DC, and Maryland to provide students with valuable hands-on experience in film making. These sessions, held at schools like DC International School, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School, and Jackson-Reed High School, teach the basics of cinematography such as lighting, angles, and composition. Students then apply this knowledge by creating short scenes or photos to present to their peers.
Through these efforts, JxJ creates a platform for young filmmakers to develop their skills and share their unique stories, empowering the next generation to express their perspectives through film. This program is made possible thanks to the generous support of Richard Solloway.
Sunday, May 18, 4:00 PM – Cafritz Hall, EDCJCC
Reception following the presentation of selected Teen Film Contest winners.
The Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund supports emerging American filmmakers exploring Jewish life, history, and culture. The fund awards $16,000 to two filmmakers for 10-minute short films and connects them with JxJ artistic leaders and mentor Natalie Difford, an award-winning producer and creative coach. The winners receive invaluable guidance throughout their journey to push their craft and help them realize their creative visions.
Inaugural winners Lauren Greenhall and Sam Roebling created exciting films — premiering at this year’s Festival — with support from this fund. Lauren’s documentary How You Make
A Torah explores women pioneering the tradition of writing the Torah. Sam’s narrative film Elijah blends dark comedy with serious social issues through the story of a homeless man crashing a Passover seder.
Matthew Ornstein was a beloved and talented young man, successfully pursuing a screenwriting career in Los Angeles before his death at age 34. He would be delighted with the opportunities provided by this program for filmmakers to create and show short Jewish films that would otherwise not exist.
Opening Night: Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM – Goldman Theater, EDCJCC
Thank you to our generous JxJ donors.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER ($25,000+)
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
National Endowment for the Arts
The Harris Ornstein Family
Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation
PRODUCER ($10,000 – $24,999)
Anonymous
Michele and Allan Berman
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation
Sonnie Dockser
The Dweck Family
Ginny and Irwin Edlavitch
Embassy of Israel
Rhoda and Daniel Glickman
Daniel Hirsch and Brenda Gruss
JCC Association
Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation
Dan Mendelson and Jennifer Loew Mendelson
Sid and Linda Moskowitz
Nussdorf Family Foundation
Deborah and Michael Salzberg
Richard Solloway
DIRECTOR ($5,000 – $9,999)
Janet Beth Abrams
Monica and Gavin Abrams
Deborah and Charles Both
Cyna and Paul Cohen
Rena Gordon
Sara C. Cohen and Norm J. Rich
Ilene and Steven Rosenthal
Rae Grad and Manuel Schiffres
Heidi Wachs
SCREENWRITER ($3,600 – $4,999)
Dina Gold
Sandra Hoexter
Kimberly and Bruce Levin
David Selden and Julie Wallick
Tina and Albert Small, Jr.
COMPOSER ($1,800 – $3,599)
Alison Baraf and Aryeh Portnoy
Cheryl and Herbert Baraf
Debbie and Paul Berger
Paul Blank
Seth R. Eaton and Karen Bonnie Eaton
Debra Vodenos and Samuel Boxerman
Anita Wolke and Ken Brooks
Johanna Chanin and Randall Levitt
Dave Connick
Jessica Dodson and Jeremy Levine
Scott Eric Dreyer and Ellen Clare Gillespie Dreyer
Ilana Drimmer
Bunny Dwin
Tova Geller
Morgan and Josh Genderson
Audrey Goldstein and Doug Sanderson
Robert and Jill Granader Family Foundation
Maya Hyman
Stacey Kluck
Mariana Levinas Huberman
Margery London
Carol Mates and Mark Kahan
Joan Nathan
Diane and Arnold Polinger
Joel and Nancy Poznansky
Joan and Barry Rosenthal
Rhea Schwartz
Dolores Seigel
Myrna Sislen
Mimi Tygier and Robert Rubin
EDITOR ($1,000 – $1,799)
Jacqueline and Edward Cohen
Michael Edberg
Leesa Fields and Jonathan Band
Debra Goldberg and Seth Waxman
Ronit Greenstein
Martha Winter Gross and Robert Tracy
Aviva Kempner
Joy Lerner and Stephen Kelin
Saul and Nancy Pilchen
Mindy Strelitz and Andrew Cornblatt
Susan Rubin Suleiman
Diane Abelman Wattenberg
ANIMATOR ($500 – $999)
Charlotte and Michael Baer
Sanders H. Berk, MD and Sally Berk
Lynn Goldin and Henry Birnkrant
Lynn and Wolf Blitzer
Ito Briones and Warren Coats
Mark Cohen
Nadine Cohodas
Meg and Samuel Flax
Lorraine Gallard and Richard H. Levy
Elysa Graber-Lipperman
Mira and Henry Kahn and Family
Rob Kallman
Iris Lipkowitz
Dalya and Edward Luttwak
Beth Mantz Steindecker
Miriam Morsel Nathan and Harvey Nathan
Jeffrey Colman
Lawrence Schleifer
Deborah Tannen and Michael Macovski
Jeffery Yablon
EDLAVITCH DCJCC FUND SUPPORT
Milton and Helen Covensky Fund
The Samuel and Marlene Halperin Fund
Chaim Kempner Fund
Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family
Foundation Endowment
Max and Esther Ticktin Fund
The Arthur Tracy “The Street Singer” Fund
Marjorie Watson Serendipity Fund
Thank you to our generous EDCJCC donors.
The Edlavitch DCJCC wishes to thank the following donors who enable us to serve the community.
$500,000+
Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
Samuel G. Rose
250,000 - $499,999
Diane and Norman Bernstein Foundation
Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
$100-000 - $249,999
The Aviv Foundation, Inc.
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities
Daniel Hirsch and Brenda Gruss
Arlene and Robert Kogod, The Robert and Arlene Kogod Family Foundation
$50,000 - $99,999
Covenant Foundation
Susie and Michael Gelman, The Morningstar Foundation
Sari R. Hornstein
Nussdorf Family Foundation
Revada Foundation of the Logan Family Share Fund
$25,000 - $49,999
Michele and Allan Berman
CANVAS
Johanna Chanin and Randall Levitt
Naomi and Nehemiah Cohen Foundation
The Dweck Family
Ginny and Irwin Edlavitch
Lois and Richard England Family Foundation
Robert M. Fisher Memorial Foundation
Rhoda and Daniel Glickman
Rena Gordon
The Harris Ornstein Family
The Kay Family Foundation
The Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation
Dianne and Herbert Lerner
Sid and Linda Moskowitz
Alfred Munzer and Joel Wind
Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family
Foundation
Kay Richman and Daniel Kaplan
Ilene and Steven Rosenthal
Deborah and Michael Salzberg
Rhea Schwartz
Shapiro Family Foundation
Richard Solloway
George Vradenburg
Helaine Zinaman and Roselyn Abitbol*
$10,000 - $24,999
Janet Beth Abrams
Anonymous
The Theodore H. Barth Foundation Inc.
Suevia and Rudolph B. Behrend Fund
James Beller and Christopher Wolf
Cathy S. Bernard
Lisa and Josh Bernstein
Bookey Family Foundation
Andrea Boyarsky-Maisel
Abby and Andrew Cherner
Clark-Winchcole Foundation
Cozen O’Connor
Sonnie Dockser
Embassy of Israel
Myrna Fawcett
Jim Feldman and Natalie Wexler
Debra Goldberg and Seth Waxman
Cheryl Gorelick
Robert and Jill Granader Family Foundation
Martha Winter Gross and Robert Tracy
Patti and Mitchell Herman
Norbert Hornstein and Amy Weinberg
Jacob and Charlotte Lehrman Foundation
The Leshowitz Family Foundation, ATTN: Terry
Singer
Zev Lewis
Marshfield Associates
Dan Mendelson and Jennifer Loew Mendelson
The Morgan Fund at the Seattle Foundation
M. Craig Pascal
Saul and Nancy Pilchen
Diane and Arnold Polinger
Norman Pozez and Melinda Bieber
Bella Rosenberg
April Rubin and Bruce A. Ray
Evelyn Sandground and Bill Perkins
Janis and Philip Schiff
Helene and Robert Schlossberg
$5,000 - $9,999
Monica and Gavin Abrams
Joan and Alan Berman
Stuart and Martha Bindeman Charitable Trust
Deborah and Charles Both
Mara Bralove and Ari Fisher
Susan and Dixon Butler
Susie and Kenton Campbell
CIBC Private Wealth Management
Cyna and Paul Cohen
Sara C. Cohen and Norm J. Rich
Eva Davis and Justin Kramer
Bunny Dwin
Jonathan Edelman
David and Patricia Fisher
Meg and Samuel Flax
Mindy Gasthalter
Ann Gilbert
GMP LLP
Dina Gold
Michelle and Jonathan Grossman
Meg and John Hauge
Anna Jenefsky
Joy Lerner and Stephen Kelin
Arlene and Martin Klepper
Sandra and Stephen Lachter
Marion Ein Lewin
Ellen and Gary Malasky
Meredith Margolis and Gary Goodweather
Philip Margolius
Paul and Zena Mason
Carol Mates and Mark Kahan
Sherry Nevins
Joan and Barry Rosenthal
Trina and Lee G. Rubenstein
Anna Salzberg and Joshua Hoffman
Rae Grad and Manuel Schiffres
Barney Shapiro and Susan Walker
Les Silverman
Tina and Albert Small, Jr.
Charles E. Smith Family Foundation
Stuart Sotsky
Manny Strauss and Betsy Karmin
Mindy Strelitz and Andrew Cornblatt
Summit Print & Design, Inc.
Mimi Tygier and Robert Rubin
Heidi Wachs
The George Wasserman Family Foundation
Diane Abelman Wattenberg
Jessika and David Wellisch
Ellen and Bernard Young
Judy and Leo Zickler
Eric and Kathryn Zimmerman
$2,500 - $4,999
Jesse Abraham
Stephen and Amy Altman
The Family of H. Max & Josephine F. Ammerman and Andrew R. Ammerman
Anonymous Gifts
Alison Baraf and Aryeh Portnoy
Joy and Leonard Baxt
Joan Bialek and Louis Levitt
Nancy Taylor Bubes and Alan Bubes
Rose and Robert Cohen
Susan Cohn
Dave Connick
Cornerstone Research, Inc.
Scott Eric Dreyer and Ellen Clare Gillespie Dreyer
Lois and Michael Fingerhut
Jay Freedman
Tova Geller
Morgan and Josh Genderson
Bonnie and Alan Hammerschlag
Sandra Hoexter
Leslie and Samuel Kaplan
Stacey Kluck
William Kreisberg
The Kresge Foundation
Barry Kropf
Kenneth and Amy Eisen Krupsky
Gary Laden, Esq.
Kimberly and Bruce Levin
Louis Levitt, MD and Joan Bialek
Saskia and Benjamin D. Loewy
Johannah and Jeremiah Lowin
Howard Menaker and Patrick Gossett
Rona and Allan Mendelsohn
Carl and Undine Nash
Patricia Payne
Amie Perl and Evan Goldman
Lynn and John Sachs
Mita M. Schaffer
Ann Schwartz
David Selden and Julie Wallick
Dolores Seigel
Michael Singer and James Smith
Myrna Sislen
Francine Zorn Trachtenberg and Stephen Joel Trachtenberg
United Way of the National Capital Area
Wealthspire Advisors
Joan S. Wessel
Janice White
Carolyn and William Wolfe
Anita Wolke and Ken Brooks
$1,000 - $2,499
Alliance for Jewish Theatre
Clement and Sandra Alpert Designated Endowment Fund
Anonymous
Rabbi Melanie Aron
David and Deborah Astrove
Cheryl and Herbert Baraf
Debbie and Paul Berger
Sherry and David Berz
Paul Blank
Justin Bohn
Susan and Steven Bralove
Marian and James Brodsky
Carol and Robert Burman
Jacqueline and Edward Cohen
Janet and Michael Cornfeld
Joel Croft
Charles and Rochelle Curtis
Toby Dershowitz
Jessica Dodson and Jeremy Levine
Kathy and Jody Dreyfuss
Ilana Drimmer
Nancy and Marc Duber
Seth R. Eaton and Karen Bonnie Eaton
Michael Edberg
Enrique and Suzanne Fefer
Leesa Fields and Jonathan Band
Daniel Freeman and Rebecca Zylberman
Ellen Gertsen
Audrey Goldstein and Doug Sanderson
Dr. Jesse Goodman
Elysa Graber-Lipperman
Lois and Hadar Granader
Ronit Greenstein
Jerry Grossman
Garry and Beth Grossman
Susan and Allen Hanenbaum
Maya Hyman
Aimee Imundo and Neil Gurvitch
This list includes all fiscal year 2025 gifts to date (July 1, 2024 – March 3, 2025) from donors who made commitments or donations of $1,000 or more.
JCC Association of North America
Irene and Lou Katz
Richard Kaufmann
Aviva Kempner
The Matthew Korn & Cynthia Miller
Family Foundation
Karen E. Lehmann
Edward Lenkin and Roselin Atzwanger
Mariana Levinas Huberman
Iris Lipkowitz
Margery London
Hal and Melanie Marcus
Kenneth & Ellen Marks
Mary Lynne Martin
Alan McAdams and Ellen Dykes
Cathy and Scot McCulloch
Jean and Richard Meyer
Nell Minow and David Apatoff
Gary Mintz
Jason Najjoum
Joan Nathan
Joel and Nancy Poznansky
David Lee Preston and Ronda Goldfein
Nancy and Samuel Raskin
Renay and Bill Regardie
Bruce Rosenblum
Linda Rosenzweig and Sandy Bieber
Iris and Gene Rotberg
Steve and Ann Roth
Becky Schneider, Michael Stecher and Family
David Schnitzer and Claire Bergeron
Pat and Bob Shapiro
Patti and Jerry Sowalsky
Susan Rubin Suleiman
Ann Swerdel
Tides Center
Ziva and Aaron Tomares
Allison and Daniel Turner
Lise Van Susteren and Jonathan Kempner
Dr. Kathryn Veal
Debra Vodenos and Samuel Boxerman
Bunny Weinstein
Jeff Weiss
Judith Wind
Sylvia & Peter Winik
Janet and Robert Wittes
Jennifer Zwilling Rosenwasser and Jon Rosenwasser
JxJ Leadership
JxJ Staff
Yael Luttwak, Artistic Director
Elijah Jones, Operations Manager
Yaa Amoakohene, Production Coordinator
Jill Gershenson, Arts Marketing Manager
Nino Porter, Ticket Office Manager
JxJ Council
Mimi Tiger, Chair
Sara Cohen, Vice-Chair
Janet Abrams
Alison Baraf
Debbie Berger Fox
Charles Both
Jessica Dodson
Ilana Drimmer
Bunny Dwin
Tava Geller
Morgan Genderson
Dan Glickman
Audrey Goldstein
Mariana Huberman
Maya Hyman
Aviva Kempner, Advisor
Bruce Levin
Margery London
Jennifer Loew Mendelson
Joan Nathan
Dolores Siegel
Manny Schiffres
Richard Solloway
Susan Rubin Suleiman
Heidi L. Wachs
Julie Wallick
Northern Virginia Film Committee
Felice Berkowitz
Nada Chandler
Barbara Finkel
James Finkel
Josh Greene
Dan Rubens
Janine Rubens
Sigi Saadia
Ingrid Shoenberg
Deborah Yaffe
Karen Scheer
EDCJCC Leadership
Officers
Johanna Chanin, President
Eva Davis, Vice President
Meredith Margolis, Vice President
Directors
Janet B. Abrams
Olufunmike Adeyemi*
Andrew Altman
Joan Berman
Michele G. Berman
Jordan Lloyd Bookey
Jennifer Bradley
Jaclyn Lerner Cohen
Sara Cohen
Eva Davis
Jonathan Edelman
Myrna Fawcett
Meg Flax
Brian Gelfand
Daniel Glickman
Dina Gold
Debra Goldberg
David Goldblatt
Rena Gordon
Lori Kaplan
Brad Lackey
Founding Director
Ginny Edlavitch
Directors Emeriti
Stephen Altman
Rose H. Cohen
Jill Granader
Martha Winter Gross
Daniel O. Hirsch
Stephen Kelin
William Kreisberg
Saul Pilchen
John R. Risher, Jr.*
Deborah Ratner Salzberg
Lynn Skolnick Sachs
Mindy Strelitz
Francine Zorn Trachtenberg
Robert Tracy
Ellen G. Witman
Janis Schiff, Vice President
Jonathan Grossman, Treasurer
Amie Perl, Assistant Treasurer
Benjamin Loewy, Secretary
Joshua Maxey
Alyssa Moskovitz
Sid Moskowitz
Alfred Munzer
Alyson Myers
Melanie Franco Nussdorf
Amie Perl
Arnold Polinger
Shannon Powers
Norm Rich Ilene Rosenthal
Michael Salzberg
Max Sandler
Rhea Schwartz
Michael Singer
Tina Small
Mimi Tygier
Diane Abelman Wattenberg
Jessika Wellisch
Eric Zelenko
Jennifer Zwilling, CEO, ex-officio
Vice President Emeritus
Lee G. Rubenstein
Honorary Director
Barbara Abramowitz
Executive Staff
Jennifer Zwilling, Chief Executive Officer
Charlie Winters, Chief Finance and Administration Officer
Jesse Bordwin, Chief Experience Officer
Emily Jillson, Senior Director of Advancement
Join us Year-Round
The show goes on even after the Festival ends! JxJ presents programs year-round, including weekly screenings and monthly concerts that take place at our state-of-the-art concert and cinema venue in the Edlavitch DCJCC on 16th and Q Streets.
Visit JxJDC.ORG after the Festival and sign up for our email newsletter to stay updated on upcoming shows.
