Chocolate and Jewish Values: A Fair Trade Experience

Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3

Tikvat Israel this fall will host a weekend-long festival, “Chocolate and Jewish Values: A Fair Trade Experience,” that is sure to appeal to all the senses.

The program, which will promote overseas fair trade in the context of Jewish values, will take place Nov 1-3 at the synagogue.

The multicultural program focuses on various Central and South American countries where coffee and cacao (chocolate) are major crops and where the Jewish community has had both Sephardic and Ashkenazi influence.

“We will explore Jewish values that explain why we should promote and sell fair trade products as well as those made by non-Jews in need,” said Shirley Waxman, principal organizer.

The weekend schedule will include a Friday evening service followed by dinner and a speaker, Ilana Schatz, director of Fair Trade Judaica, who will discuss Jewish values in fair trade practices.

The Shabbat morning speaker, Brenda Rosenbaum, will talk about growing up Jewish in Guatemala city and her launching of an organization known as Mayan Hands. The service will be followed by a chocolate kiddush.

On Saturday evening following Havdalah, a film, “The Dark Side of Chocolate,” will be shown followed by a moderated discussion, hot coffee and chocolate desserts.

The Sunday program will include a bazaar with fair trade products, including crafts from Guatemala, as well as chocolate and coffee tastings and children’s programs. A chocolate sing-along with Charley Montroll will be one of the offerings to children, along with a program on fair trade, led by Robin Lempert. Food will be available for purchase at the Sunday event, which also includes a dance