Community celebrates Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - On Sunday the Shalom Y’all Jewish food festival returns to the streets of Savannah for its 34th year.

From matzoh ball soup to pastrami sandwiches, this cultural food festival has everything to satisfy your Jewish comfort food craving.

‘We have hundreds of people who volunteer, people from our congregation, people from other places, people come after church, people come in just because they haven’t had a sandwich, like a pastrami sandwich in so long. So it’s been a great way for us to be part of this community. And since it’s right here in Monterey Square, one of the most beautiful places in the area, it’s doubly impressive," said Rabbi Robert Haas, with Congregation Mickve Israel.

Jews have been around in the hostess city almost since its founding.

“Savannah’s Jewish history is pretty rich. This is one of the oldest synagogues in the country,” said Haas.

They were welcomed by James Oglethorpe, they all broke bread together and ate together. Throughout the years, the Jewish community continues to be welcomed in Savannah.

Haas says he’s proud the food festival has been around for 34 years, especially seeing how much it’s grown.

It’s especially big for the Jewish community in Savannah because a lot of the food they offer isn’t easy to find.

Preparation has been underway for weeks.

“Each booth has up to 20 volunteers throughout the day...it’s a massive team effort,” said Will Christopher, and organizer with the food festival.

The Shalom Y’all Jewish Food Festival will take place this Sunday, from 11am-4pm in Monterey Square.

Savannah Police say they will have additional patrols in the area for the event.