Humans of Judaism creator Nikki Shreiber, Stand Up Comedian Judy Gold, Award-Winning Podcaster Galeet Dardashti, Singer Chana Raskin Will Appear at The Weitzman

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (September 9, 2024) – This fall, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (The Weitzman) is hosting a vibrant schedule of public events with nationally and internationally known talent, featuring chef Michael Solomonov, Philadelphia Eagles GM Howie Roseman, Humans of Judaism founder Nikki Shreiber, singer Chana Raskin who is currently displaced from her home in Israel, comedian Judy Gold, award-winning podcasters Galeet and Danielle Dardashti,  plus family days, book talks, a holiday shopping event, and more.

On September 26, Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook – the James Beard Award winning dynamos behind Zahav, Federal Donuts & Chicken, Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far, Laser Wolf, Lilah, and soon Jaffa Bar – will debut their highly anticipated new cookbook, Zahav Home, at The Weitzman. This is the only Philly stop of their multi-city book tour.

Most public programs this fall are part of this year’s theme, “Women at The Weitzman: Leaders, Thinkers, and Doers” which celebrates extraordinary Jewish women, past and present. Featuring writers, thinkers, musicians, content creators, and comedians, this series honors their significant contributions and ongoing impact, showcasing the diverse and powerful voices that resonate within our community.

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 12 | State of American Jewry Series | Women at The Weitzman
Philadelphia
The launch of a new series called “State of American Jewry” begins with a conversation between Dr. Mijal Bitton, scholar of Middle Eastern Jews and co-founder of the Downtown Minyan in New York City, and journalist Sandee Brawarsky.

September 19-22 | Film Festival | PJFM
Digital Chutzpah 2024 is Philadelphia Jewish Film + Media’s annual Jewish Digital Media Festival. This four-day program features interactive media, films, music, and panels around Judaism in the ever-evolving digital world.

Thursday, September 22 | Concert and Conversation | Women at The Weitzman
Vocalist and composer Galeet Dardashti and her band present “Monajat.” This performance brings to life the nearly lost recordings of her grandfather, Younes Dardashti, the most renowned Jewish singer in Iran’s history. Held near the traditional Selichot service, the concert offers a connection to the spiritual and musical traditions of Persian Jews. Galeet and her sister Danielle Dardashti will discuss their grandfather’s legacy and their award-winning podcast, “The Nightingale of Iran.”
This project is made possible in part through the Mid Atlantic Folk and Traditional Arts – Community Projects program of Mid Atlantic Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Thursday, September 26 | Zahav Home Cookbook Launch & Tasting | Conversation, Recipe Sampling, and Book Signing
Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook discuss their new book, Zahav Home, in this one-night-only event that will be moderated by Philadelphia Eagles Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman. Their on-stage conversation will be followed by a book signing with the authors in the Museum’s concourse featuring light hor d’oeuvres, dessert, coffee and tea, all dishes from the cookbook.

Earlier this year, Lilah Events — the events company from Solomonov and Cook’s hospitality group, CookNSolo — became the in-house events and catering partner of The Weitzman.

OCTOBER

Sunday, October 20 | Book Talk | Women at The Weitzman

Award-winning journalist Yardena Schwartz will discuss her new book, Ghosts of a Holy War: The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict, with Zev Eleff,  president of Gratz College. This event is presented in partnership with Gratz College.

NOVEMBER

November 14-24| Film Festival | PJFM
Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media’s Fall Film Fest brings 10 days of innovative and moving films to The Weitzman’s campus.

Thursday, November 21 | Stand-Up Comedy | Women at The Weitzman
Stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster, television writer, author, producer, and activist Judy Gold performs. Gold is a two-time Daytime Emmy Award winner for her work as a writer and producer on The Rosie O’Donnell Show and now hosts the podcast It’s Judy’s Show.

DECEMBER

Sunday, December 1 | Hanukkah Market
The second annual Hanukkah/Holiday shopping event, hosted by The Weitzman’s delightful museum store, features favorite vendors and food by Jewish chefs.

Sunday, December 1 | Book Release, Signing, and Gallery Opening | Women at The Weitzman
In honor of Nikki Shreiber’s Humans of Judaism new book (based on her blockbuster Instagram account), The Weitzman will open a special installation of photos from the book. At this event, Nikki will sign her new book and mingle with attendees. Some of her photographic subjects will also be in attendance. Nikki launched this project six months after her father’s death as a way to mourn and honor his memory.

Thursday, December 5 | Secret Chord Concerts | Women at The Weitzman
Singer Chana Raskin, who is currently displaced with her family from her home in the north of Israel, will perform with an all-female ensemble as part of RAZA, a musical listening project that explores the feminine voice in old Hasidic melodies.

Thursday, December 19 | “Eight Crazy Nights” Film Screening | PJFM
“Put on your yarmulke, here comes Hanukkah…” It’s time to “latke and vodka” with Adam Sandler’s Hanukkah musical extravaganza! This Festival of Lights, join Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media for drinks, latkes, and laughter galore with this animated classic. Enjoy a FREE drink and latkes on us while you laugh along with Davey Stone and his crazy crew! 21+. *Held at Khyber Pass Pub*

Wednesday, December 25 | Family Day
Being ____ at Christmas is a signature Weitzman event, held annually on Christmas Day. This inclusive day of family fun features music, movement, crafts, movies, and community.

Learn more.

PRESS PHOTOS
Past program images

Museum images; credit lines enclosed

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. It proudly stewards one of the largest collections of Jewish Americana in the nation. Standing as a joyful bulwark against antisemitism, bigotry, and hate, The Weitzman serves 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. www.theweitzman.org

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