Jun 06 2012
A Taste of our Egg Rolls & Egg Creams Festival
Our Egg Rolls & Egg Creams block party is a joyous celebration of all things Jewish and Chinese as embodied by our neighborhood – where Chinatown meets the Lower East Side. We look forward to the festival every year and the many people who join us. Where else can you see a Klezmer band march down the street followed by a performance of Chinese folk music in the beautiful historic sanctuary and a Hebrew scribe demonstrating the intricacies of Hebrew scribal art alongside a Chinese calligrapher?
Scribal art with Rabbi Zelig Mandel. Photo: Erika Parry
Here are some tips to get the most out of the day.
Do not miss all the activities taking place within our landmark building – the 1887 Eldridge Street Synagogue. These include a tea ceremony Sifu Ken Lo, a long-time veteran of our festival, who in the upstairs balcony will welcome and refresh you.
Sifu Ken Lo leads a tea ceremony
There is something for people of all ages. The very youngest will love the arts and crafts and face painting on the streets. Adults will love it all, including Margot Leverett’s Joy of Klezmer band, Julie Tay’s East River Ensemble and all the food demos.
Design your own paper fan. Photo: Kate Milford
Do not fear the mah jongg mavens! Try your hand and learn about this ancient Chinese game and more recent Jewish variations.
Find out just what those Mah jongg tiles symbolize! Photo: Kate Milford
The food is all kosher. Our Egg Rolls are vegetarian and from a local kosher vendor so you can combine your egg cream, which is dairy, with the egg roll. Yummy.
Two happy customers. Photo: Kate Milford
Brush up on your Yiddish and Mandarin with lessons in the Museum’s lower level. Get psyched to learn about your family history with genealogist Roger Lustig on the synagogue’s lower level. Learn about the history of the synagogue on one of our tours of the main sanctuary. There is lots to do!
Wear a hat. Bring water. Slather on the sunscreen. Mid to high 80s is predicted! We look forward to seeing you here on Sunday, June 10! Let us know what is your favorite part of the day or if you have any questions.
We are looking forward to Sunday. We are driving in from CT and hope to find out where the nearest parking is. Thanks
Hi There,
I recommend the parking lot on Allen Street between Hester and Grand. It is a five-minute walk from there to the festival. (You would walk south on Allen Street toward Hester, then Canal. Turn right onto Canal and walk one block to Eldridge. You will see the festival.)
There is also an open-air garage just a block away from the festival on Forsyth Street between Canal and Division which you might try. I’ve never used so I cannot personally recommend.
See you on Sunday!
Best, Amy Stein-Milford, Deputy Director, Museum