The 16th annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will take place Sunday, Aug. 14, from noon to 5 p.m. on the Guilford Green. The festival features various styles of Jewish music, traditional and Israeli fair food (all kosher), Jewish book sale, vendors and crafters, and children’s crafts and activities.

“The Shoreline Jewish Festival is an annual celebration of Jewish life on the Shoreline,” said Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline and festival coordinator. “So many people now see it as a not-to-be-missed summer tradition. Last month a parent told us how her child was looking forward to their upcoming vacation in Italy—as long as she didn’t miss the Shoreline Jewish Festival!”

This year’s musical lineup is a special one featuring Peter Himmelman, “the Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall and Yoni Lorber. For families with children, master storyteller Levi Welton will present the story “Shmerel Saves the Village.”

Emmy and Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Peter Himmelman will be the feature performer. Rolling Stone magazine has described Himmelman as being “on the same plane as Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, Springsteen, and Dylan.

Rabbi Yaffesaid he was excited to have Himmelman as this year’s festival headliner.

“He sings from the heart, and his words enter the heart,” Yaffe explains. “Peter’s powerful, spiritual messages resonate deeply with his audience.”

Also on the bill is, “The Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall. The saxophonist and composer is considered one of the pioneers of blending jazz with Jewish music. Wall also serves as a rabbi in Westport. Wall performs an eclectic mix of classical and experimental jazz, Eastern European, and African American roots music. Yoni Lorber is a singer, songwriter and musician from Israel who brings inspirational energy and joy to his audiences. Lorber’s uncle, the late Yossi Piamenta, was a guitar virtuoso known as “the father of Jewish electric guitar rock and roll.” The inspiration continues as Yoni’s original compositions and masterful guitar-playing make him a favorite in the Jewish music world.

Levi Welton weaves masterful storytelling with life messages. Children of all ages will enjoy his presentation of Shmerel Saves the Village, with its messages of caring for one another and finding the hero within ourselves.

Artists and artisans will be selling a variety of Judaica, jewelry, clothing, and artwork, according to the organizers. Books of Jewish interest for both children and adults will be available for sale. Festival-goers can choose from a variety of (kosher) fair favorites, including pulled beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel (an Israeli fried chickpea specialty), schwarma grilled chicken, potato knishes, fresh mini donuts, cotton candy, sno-cones and more.

Children’s activities also include inflatable bouncy fun as well as Jewish-themed arts & crafts projects.

Admission is free. Food, crafts and vendor items are for sale. You can also order tickets online before midnight of August 7, and pick up your envelope of prepared tickets at the Express line at the festival. Artists can reserve a booth for the day for a fee of $85. To help sponsor this unique event, to reserve a booth visit or for more information, visit www.ShorelineJewishFestival.com For all other questions, please contact Rabbi Yaffe at 203-533-7495 or at chabad@snet.net.