Food Festival, known as Nosh Fest. Those who attended brought two canned goods for admission to the event. According to a representative of Feeding South Florida, one of three food banks to receive the donated food, at least 2,000 pounds of food were collected for those in need. Despite a rainstorm which dampened the 50+ tents assembled for the festival, Temple members and the community at large were very supportive of this community service project.

“We were very pleased with the record turnout” said Nosh Fest Committee Chair, Stuart Silver. Officials estimated the attendance at 2,150—nearly double the number who attended in 2009. “The ton of food collected was 250% more than the amount collected last year.”

The festival featured a variety of activities and fun-filled entertainment for adults and children alike. Martin Kiar, Florida State Representative, District 97, bested Howard C. Foreman, the Broward County Clerk of Courts, and four other competitors, in a Key Lime pie-eating contest. Chefs from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts led seven teams who competed in the Maccabi Cooking Competition. A food trivia contest, DJs and dancers from Platinum Gold, and other performers kept the crowd entertained throughout the day.  

More than 20 varieties of Jewish foods and snacks were enjoyed by all. Sponsors and vendors were very enthusiastic, and promised to return next year. “Nosh Fest II was a great success, due to the tireless efforts of the Nosh Fest Committee, members of Temple Beth Emet, more than 50 volunteers who are not affiliated with the Temple, our generous sponsors, and out community partners” said Silver. “We can’t wait to begin planning for Nosh Fest III in 2011.”

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Nosh Fest was created by leaders at Temple Beth Emet as a way to gather the community for a taste of Jewish Style Cuisine while offering support to Jews and non-Jews who were suffering as a result of difficult economic times before Chanukah and Christmas.