Ormond Beach Celebrates 9th Annual Jewish Heritage Festival

The popular biennial event returns with exhibits, speakers, food, and family-friendly activities.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred outlines of people, tents, and other festival elements in a warm, golden color palette, conveying the festive and inclusive atmosphere of the event.The vibrant sights and sounds of the Jewish Heritage Festival in Ormond Beach will transport visitors to a celebration of culture, community, and shared experiences.Ormond Beach Today

The Jewish Heritage Festival, a biennial celebration of Jewish culture and history, is set to return to Ormond Beach, Florida on April 12th. The festival, which began in 2007 as a suggestion by 80-year-old Murray Steinberg, has grown to become the largest Jewish heritage event in the state, consistently drawing over 10,000 visitors from across Central Florida. This year's festival will feature exhibits, speakers, kosher food vendors, children's activities, and more.

Why it matters

The Jewish Heritage Festival provides an opportunity for both the Jewish and non-Jewish communities to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people. In a time when antisemitism is on the rise, events like this help to foster understanding and appreciation for diversity.

The details

The festival will kick off at 10 a.m. with a color guard presentation and remarks from city officials and the festival's master of ceremonies, Rabbi Rob Lennick. Throughout the day, there will be a variety of exhibits and attractions, including Holocaust exhibits, a presentation on life in a traditional Eastern European shtetl, and an interactive video experience allowing attendees to converse with Holocaust survivor Pinchas Gutter. Speakers will include Holocaust survivor Suzanne Schneider, author Judith Rapp Hara, and sports journalist Howard Megdal. Attendees can also enjoy Mediterranean and kosher food, as well as a variety of merchandise from local vendors.

  • The Jewish Heritage Festival takes place every two years, with the last event held in 2018.
  • This year's festival is scheduled for April 12, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The players

Murray Steinberg

An 80-year-old who suggested the idea for the Jewish Heritage Festival to the Temple Presidents' Council for Volusia and Flagler counties in 2007.

Jeff Bigman

The current festival chairman, who refers to this year's event as the 'Chai' or 18th year of the festival.

Rabbi Rob Lennick

The master of ceremonies who will open the festival.

Rabbi Stan Zamek

The rabbi who will blow the shofar to open the festival.

Suzanne Schneider

An 89-year-old Holocaust survivor who will share her story of hiding in a chicken coop with her mother.

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What they’re saying

“As those who lived through the Holocaust are dwindling in number, this may be your last chance to meet a Holocaust survivor.”

— Jeff Bigman, Festival Chairman

“There is so much for people to do, and there is something for everyone Jewish or non-Jewish, from 2 to 98 at the Jewish Heritage Festival. It's also the biggest miracle we've created — where Reform, Conservative and Orthodox Jews come together!”

— Jeff Bigman, Festival Chairman

What’s next

The festival organizers are expecting large crowds and have worked closely with local law enforcement to ensure adequate security and parking for the event.

The takeaway

The Jewish Heritage Festival in Ormond Beach has become a beloved community tradition, bringing together people of all backgrounds to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Jewish people. The festival's growth over the past 18 years is a testament to the power of diversity, inclusion, and shared experiences to bring a community together.