Chef Michael Solomonov Helps Kick Off the Fall Lineup in September

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (August 10, 2023) – The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (The Weitzman) will offer a robust events schedule this Fall, featuring celebrity chef Michael Solomonov, the Philadelphia premiere of an Oscar-nominated film, a night of Bluegrass, and more.

These engaging events celebrate the rich heritage and culture of the American Jewish community and serve a diverse audience near and far.

SEPTEMBER

Thursday, September 28 | Event & Book Signing
Philadelphia’s own James Beard award-winning Chef Michael Solomonov joins New York Times bestselling cookbook author, chef, and celebrity food influencer chef Jake Cohen for a conversation about his highly anticipated second cookbook, I Could Nosh. Audience members get to nosh on samples during the post-event book signing that the chefs will prepare live on stage during the event.

OCTOBER

Tuesday, October 10 | Virtual Book Talk
Comics artist and deli aficionado Ben Nadler will discuss his new book The Jewish Deli: An Illustrated Guide to the Chosen Food, with Ted Merwin, an expert on the history of jewish delis.

Thursday, October 12 | Film Screening & Panel Discussion
The Philadelphia premiere of the Academy Award nominated documentary, Stranger at the Gate, will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Bibi Bahrami, Richard “Mac” McKinney, and filmmaker Josh Seftel, moderated by Marty Moss-Coane. “Stranger at the Gate” is a powerful film depicting the collision between Richard “Mac” McKinney and the Muncie Islamic Center congregants. It offers hope by showcasing how kindness, openness, and understanding can confront hate and division. The film’s heroes inspire positive change through empathy and compassion towards differing ideas and opinions.

Thursday, October 19 | Secret Chord Concert & Talk Back
An evening of soul-stirring melodies and high energy Jewish Bluegrass tunes, featuring Nefesh Mountain. This husband-and-wife duo was the first band to ever sing in Hebrew at the historic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. This concert will be recorded as an episode of the Secret Chord Concerts series.

NOVEMBER

November 9 | Book Talk (in person)

Ari Mittleman discusses his book Paths of The Righteous: Conversations with Allies who Stood Up for Jews in the Face of Antisemitism with two of the book’s subjects: Lt. Aston Bright and Olga Meshoe Washington.

November 11-18 | Film Festival
The Weitzman is proud to partner with Philadelphia Jewish Film & Media for its 43rd Fall Fest!

Tuesday, November 14 | Virtual Book Talk
Award-winning author Rebecca Clarren will discuss her new book The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota and American Inheritance. Held during Native American Heritage Month. Actress Sarah Podemski will participate in the conversation.

Thursday, November 16 | Concert
The first-ever concert of the new ensemble Piyut Rising, a group of Mizrahi (Jews of Middle Eastern and North African descent) musicians who are based in the US and Israel. The band is led by two Jewish musicians, Yoni Battat and Yosef Goldman, collectively of Iraqi, Syrian, and Yemeni descent.

DECEMBER

Saturday, December 9 | Concert

Celebrate Hanukkah with the celebrated Klezmer band, Michael Winograd & the Honorable Mentshn. Clarinetist Michael Winograd and his band will be joined by the fabulous Berlin-based Yiddish songstress Sasha Lurje.

Learn more.

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ABOUT THE WEITZMAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY
Established in 1976, and situated on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History is the only museum in the nation dedicated exclusively to exploring and interpreting the American Jewish experience. The Weitzman presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore, and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire. https://theweitzman.org/

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