Jewish Arts Organization ish Celebrates Holiday Mimouna With Fundraising Event Saturday

ish’s 2022 Mimouna celebration at Krohn Conservatory Photo: facebook.com/ishfestival

For the second year, Cincinnati Jewish arts and culture organization ish is hosting a fundraising event to celebrate the Jewish holiday Mimouna.

Mimouna is typically celebrated in by North African Jews from Morocco and the Maghreb to celebrate the end of Passover. The holiday is meant to be a joyous community gathering to break bread, eat sweets and enjoy traditional culture, often with non-Jewish neighbors.

“Mimouna is a holiday about coexistence, cultural celebration…abundance,” ish executive and artistic director Marie Krulewitch-Browne said in a press release. “We love welcoming people from all cultures, backgrounds and beliefs to celebrate with us.”

ish’s Mimouna celebration will be held Saturday, April 22 at the ish Garage in Northside from 8 p.m. to midnight. Last year’s inaugural event centered on Moroccan food, culture and creative experiences, with more than 200 guests celebrating at the Krohn Conservatory. This year, the theme will focus on the “taste” of Spain and Central and South America with music, all-age art activities, experiences, tequila tastings, entertainment and more, says the release.

With help from a committee of local volunteers, this Mimouna will highlight the foods, memories and traditions members have shared with their families in Mexico, Panama, Colombia, Nicaragua and Puerto Rico.

“We’re dedicated to celebrating, honoring, and learning from diverse Jewish traditions, and making sure to elevate the voices of those with whom we are celebrating, in our planning and visioning efforts. Mimouna is such a beautiful holiday…it is the perfect foundation to celebrate different Jewish ethnic minorities and expose people to the vibrancy of Jewish cultural traditions,” Krulewitch-Browne said.

Guests will also be able to enjoy a night of tango and samba dancing, a night market, live music and art, as well as animal encounters. The event is family-friendly, and parents can also purchase the Family Experience package, which includes admission for two adults and childcare for children under 12 from 7:30-10:30 p.m.

While guests are encouraged to consider public transportation, valet parking will be available.

Proceeds from the event will go toward ish’s efforts to create a more “Connected. Cultural Community.”

These include sending LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and interfaith teens to Israel; commissioning local artists and small businesses to create products to celebrate Jewish holidays; launching a first-of-its-kind Cincinnati Menorah; celebrating Cincinnati’s Jewish and queer community during Pride and hosting ongoing cultural events.

You can purchase tickets for the event here. Prices range from $54 for late (10 p.m.), individual entry to $500 for a group experience.

ish Garage, 4089 S. Langland St., Northside. More info: ishfestival.org.

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