The 17th annual Shoreline Jewish Festival will take place Sunday, Aug. 13, 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), a Jewish book sale, vendors and crafters, and children’s crafts and activities.

Rabbi Yossi Yaffe, director of Chabad of the Shoreline and coordinator of the event, said the festival is for any person or any faith.

“This festival celebrates Jewish life and living. The music, the food, the entertainment — people of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it and have come to regard it as a Shoreline summer tradition. This event is great fun for people from all backgrounds. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors and to celebrate and enjoy the diversity that exists in our community,” Yaffe said.

According to Yaffe, there will be activities for all ages, including food, music, inflatables, and a chance for kids to craft their own shofar, the traditional Jewish ram’s horn trumpet that symbolizes hope and continuity.

“Our focus is spreading light rather than fighting darkness by shouting at it. In other words, the more we can add to the positive aspects of the world, and in fellowship and brotherhood… that’s what the world needs in general. There’s lots of negativity in the world, but by adding light, music, joy, comradery — those are the antidote and the best way to counter negativity,” Yaffe said. “We want to bring joy of Judaism and understanding, and our joy of living here — that is what this festival is about.”

He added, “We’d love to see everyone come out and celebrate with us and enjoy the day.”

This year’s musical lineup features a number of exciting performers.

Fishel Bresler and Tsibeles of Rhode Island are one of New England’s most popular klezmer bands and will play from noon to 1:30 p.m. Klezmer music is a mix of Balkan folks music, blues, jazz, and Jewish culture, prayer, and history. Critics call Fishel’s music “a rich and lively mix that laughs, cries, dances, soars, and dives to reach the hearts and souls of his audiences.”

Tali Yess will play from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. Yess is the son of the late great Jewish musician Moshe Yess, and he will play his father’s greatest hits, as well as original compositions and Chassidic melodies.

Chillent returns to the Shoreline Jewish Festival by popular demand and will play from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Fans describe this band as “SoulLive at a Jewish wedding” and “the klezmer Phish.” With origins as a weekly jam session in the band’s hometown of Pittsburgh, Chillent has grown and attracted lovers of funk, jazz, blues, and world music. “Chillent” is a play on the word cholent, a Jewish stew. Chillent lives up to its name, offering up a mix of original compositions, spicy jazz and funk covers, and novel interpretations of Jewish favorites.

According to Rabbi Yaffe, artists and artisans will sell a variety of Judaica, jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Books of Jewish interest for both children and adults will be available for sale as well.

Festivalgoers can choose from a variety of kosher fair favorites, including pulled beef brisket, hamburgers, hot dogs, falafel (an Israeli fried-chickpea specialty), grilled chicken shawarma, potato knishes, fresh mini donuts, cotton candy, and sno-cones, said Yaffe. Children’s activities include inflatable bouncy fun, as well as Jewish-themed arts and crafts projects.

Organizers said sponsorship for the event will be provided by Mr. Boris Mizhen, Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, Gladeview Rehab & Health Care in Old Saybrook, the Guilford Courier, Shoreline TMS & Interventional Psychiatry, and Water’s Edge Resort and Spa.

Admission is free. Food, crafts, and vendor items are for sale. Tickets are available online before midnight on Monday, Aug. 7; the prepared tickets can be picked up in 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, or for more information, visit www.ShorelineJewishFestival.com or contact Rabbi Yaffe at 203-533-7495 or chabad@snet.net.