Join us for the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Fesitval
Registration is required for all events.
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Thank you to The Jewish Federation of NENY for supporting the events through a generous grant.
Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival is a summer long series of events including films, film discussions, live performances, storytelling, and other cultural events on Jewish and social justice topics. SJCF thanks the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York for its generous support and Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, Congregation Beth Shalom of Clifton Park, Congregation Shaara Tfille, Clifton Park Chabad, and Saratoga Chabad for their sponsorships.
2026 SJCF Programs
Sunday
JUly
26
11Am - 1PM
Congregation Beth Shalom
688 Clifton Park Center Rd Clifton Park
WHERE THE HOLOCAUST CAME TO AMERICA
The history and legacy of the WWII Fort Ontario Emergency Refugee Shelter. Join historian Paul Lear for an illustrated talk on the only U.S. camp for Holocaust refugees, FDR’s role in its creation, and efforts to preserve the site as a National Historical Park.
Sponsored by Congregation Beth Shalom & Temple Sinai
Registration required: sjca.sjcf@gmail.com
$15 donation requested
To register, use the QR code below:
Sunday
Aug
9
7 PM
Zoom
Imaginary Witness: Hollywood and the Holocaust
Hollywood was initially reluctant to directly condemn Nazi antisemitism. It wasn’t until years after the World War II ended that American filmmakers began offering a realistic, potent look at the horrific toll of Hitler’s “final solution.” This documentary is narrated by Gene Hackman and features interviews with Steven Spielberg and others.
Sponsored by Temple Sinai
Registration required: sjca.sjcf@gmail.com
$10 donation requested
To register, use the QR code below:
Thursday
Aug
27
7 PM
Temple Sinai
509 Boradway Saratoga Springs
Living the Jewish Experience through Stories
Join us for an evening of honesty, warmth, and the power of stories to
bring us together. These funny, poignant and surprising real-life tales are
told by storytellers, ordinary people who can tell a story in the spirit of
Jewish connection, reflection and community.
Registration required: sjca.sjcf@gmail.com
$10 donation requested
To register, use the QR code below:
Tuesday
Aug
30
10Am-12Pm
Tour begins at the Canfield Casino and ends at Temple Sinai
A NEW WALKING TOUR
Beyond the Gut: Stories of Jewish Life in Saratoga since 1865
Think Saratoga’s early Jewish residents were confined to the flood-prone “gut”? Think again. Discover stories of visitors and settlers—rich and modest— who came for the spas and built a thriving community: raising families, opening businesses, facing antisemitism, and dining at Mother Goldsmith’s. Sponsored by Temple Sinai and the Saratoga Springs History Museum
Registration required
$30 person, $25 for members of Temple Sinai or the Saratoga Springs History Museum
To register, use the QR code below:
