Quotes

What people are saying about KFAR

“KFAR offers to Chicago the ability for music/art/Jewish culture minded folks to continue engaging in the conversation of Jewish life through arts. The bringing together of Jewish artistic thought from around the world allows Chicago to be connected to New York, to LA, to Israel, not just through the intellectual sphere but through the emotional one.”   Marcy F., Chicago

"KFAR always puts on great events...{and] is really able to get the word out, attracting large and diverse crowds. The musical acts I have seen are all top-notch, unique talents. My friends and I always have a great time and look forward to the next one!"   Tamar Schiller, Chicago

“KFAR manages to bring the best performances to Chicago and somehow they are all Jewish artists, wow I didn't know there were so many great Jewish performers out there! I think KFAR is doing a GREAT job uniting young Jews in a really enjoyable and hip environment!  Thank you KFAR!”  Rezah Crook, Chicago

“KFAR does cool Jewish stuff!  A Jewish Organization isn't necessarily a cool organization- this one has the greatest percentage of cool events of any organization I've seen.  I can't think of any other organization where I would consider their name being a 'stamp-of-approval' on an event.”   -Zev G., Chicago

“KFAR is an excellent opportunity for young Jews to engage in the arts and entertainment scene while maintaining their religious identity, and incidentally, it’s a great way for Jewish singles to meet in a fun and relaxed atmosphere while giving a positive and receptive venue for Jewish artists to gain exposure.”  Yossi Kalman, Chicago

"KFAR  fulfills a much needed niche among young adult Chicago Jews who seek events that are both hip and reflective of their Jewish heritage....not an easy combination to accomplish."  Jonathan Mazal, Chicago

“KFAR  is the one-and-only organization which is providing a venue for all forms of Jewish expression.  It addresses and represents the entire array of Jewish denominations -- a service greatly needed to help unify our community.  And as less and less Jews are affiliated with any synagogue, the continued success of KFAR  becomes even more important to all of us.”  David Margulies, Chicago

“I make it a point to go to each KFAR  event- you never know what you're going to experience, and I've never been disappointed.  Even if it's not exactly my style- it's something I've never seen before, and it gives me the opportunity to expand my experience, while growing in Judaism.”  Becky Goldberg, Chicago

“I have attended and enjoyed very many KFAR  shows, including its very first event. It was a YIDcore concert. My ears are still ringing. YIDcore is a Jewish punk band from Australia, and KFAR  has brought in bands from Israel, Europe, New Zealand, and even New York. Jews are everywhere, so Jewish music is everywhere. Thanks to KFAR, it comes to Chicago.  I have always enjoyed the shows tremendously. I have made good friends with both the audience members and musicians alike.”   Paul Wieder, Chicago

“KFAR’s Knishmas in 2006 was fun.  Friends, ridiculous dancing, Shtreimel- I mean, who goes to a bar and hears klezmer? It was like reclaiming a part of our unknown past.  The result: fun.” Melissa Simon, Chicago

“I love KFAR  because I am a hard-core, very proud Jew but I go to synagogue “religiously” (which means I only go twice a year). I didn’t even date a Jewish man until I was 27.  KFAR  events speak to the Jew I am in a cultural way, in the melting of culture and media and in the way I can connect with others who feel the same.”  Brooke Mandrea, Chicago

“Thank you for creating the only venue for Jewish oriented entertainment in Chicago. Your organization is the only one to bring music and the arts to the Jewish community. Only museums, and special events sponsor music and the arts, but your organization provides a way for bringing the music and the arts to the younger generation that needs it the most.

KFAR  events bring Jews together in a venue that is socially fun and spiritually nourishing. Its fun to be with friends and just mingle with fellow Jews in a comfortable venue. In the era of the Internet, the community spirit and ingathering that your organization provides, should be templated around the country.

Now more than ever, KFAR  is needed. Just imagine if ten U.S. Cities had a KFAR . Jewish groups from Israel and around the world could be booked in ten different locations efficiently and cost effective. I suggest that major Jewish organizations like JUF, UJA, and even the Israeli embassy sponsor KFAR  around the country. Now more than ever, KFAR  is needed to help bring Jews together.”  Peter Malnekoff, Chicago

“Woo hoo!!! I had the very good fortune to catch the concert last night at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. I don’t get out to the clubs an awful lot, but boy am I glad I caught this particular gig - they did not disappoint!... It was one of those acts that you must absolutely see live to get the full effect of their artistry. This band is clearly at the height of its musical power - this was one of the best concerts I’ve seen in a long time in any genre… Eternal thanks to the good folks at KFAR Jewish Arts Center for bringing them to town!”  Brant Rosen, Evanston

“Unaffiliated Jews who would never engage in a Jewish conversation in a synagogue, step happily into a KFAR event, uniting Jews of different backgrounds and beliefs. KFAR is the sole institution of its magnitude and character in Chicago, and its presence and expansion) is not just a nice bonus, but a necessary component.”  M. Felsenthal, Chicago