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Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie in still from Sabbath Queen. 2024. Sandi Simcha DuBowski. Image courtesy of Roco Films
The Long Island Jewish Film Festival is returning to the Cinema Arts Centre for its third year! The festival will span six days, May 1st – May 6th, and present a selection of films at the forefront of Jewish cultural storytelling. The festival will feature films that include innovative documentaries, riveting dramas, and hilarious comedy, all curated by David Schwartz, Curator at large at the Museum of the Moving Image, who will also host filmmaker interviews and audience discussions after many of the festival’s screenings.

The Long Island Jewish Film Festival was organized to help celebrate the rich cultural traditions and history of the Jewish community in America and abroad.

The festival will begin on Thursday, May 1st with a screening of the powerful documentary, Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, with the second day of the festival focusing on the recently rediscovered and restored drama, The Heiresses.

The third day of the festival will feature screenings of three films: the fascinating documentaries Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round & Janis Ian: Breaking Silence, as well as the new biopic Midas Man, on Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

Sunday, the fourth day of the festival, will feature a screening and discussion of the documentary Ada: My Mother the Architect, in addition to a showing of the hilarious comedy Bad Shabbos, and an encore screening of The Heiresses. Monday will feature repeat screenings of both Midas Man & Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, and the festival will conclude with a screening & discussion program highlighting the documentary film, Sabbath Queen.

There will be encore screenings for most of the films featured on Friday & Saturday for those who observe Shabbat. Tickets are $16 per film, $10 members.

The Films:
Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire
Thursday, May 1 at 7 PM
With editor/producer Michael Chomet in person
& Monday, May 5 at 7 PM
With director Oren Rudavsky in person
Eighty years after his liberation from Buchenwald, we seek to understand the man behind the searing memoir Night. Told largely through his own words and eloquent voice, Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire seeks to penetrate to the heart of the known and unknown Elie Wiesel (1928-2016) – his passions, his conflicts and his legacy as one of the most public survivors of the Holocaust. With unique access to archives, interviews and employing hand painted animation, the film illuminates Wiesel’s biography as a survivor, writer, teacher and public figure. (2024, 87 mins)

The Heiresses
Friday, May 2 at 7 PM
& Sunday, May 4 at 7 PM
Isabelle Huppert stars in this recently rediscovered and restored drama from Hungarian filmmaker Márta Mészáros. Huppert plays Irèn, a young Jewish seamstress in 1936 Budapest, who is recruited by the wealthy Szilvia (Lili Monori), to conceive a baby with her military officer husband so that Szilvia can inherit her father’s fortune. Meanwhile, the rise of Nazism has begun to poison Hungary’s ruling classes, complicating Irèn’s entrée into high society. Laying bare the complicated processes of class, motherhood, inheritance, and fascism. (1980, 100 mins)

Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round
Saturday, May 3 at 1 PM
When five Howard University students sat on a segregated Maryland carousel in 1960, the arrests made headlines. When the largely Jewish community living near the amusement park joined the Black students in picketing, the first organized interracial civil rights protest in US history was born, eventually leading to the creation of the Freedom Riders. With never-before seen footage, and immersive storytelling by Emmy-award winning director Ilana Trachtman, four living protesters rescue this untold story, revealing the price, and the power, of heeding the impulse to activism. (2024, 89 mins)

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Saturday, May 3 at 4 PM
& Tuesday, May 6 at 4 PM
With prerecorded interview with director Varda Bar-Kar
At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Janis Ian, a Jewish teenage singer-songwriter from New Jersey became a sensation after releasing a hit song about an interracial relationship, “Society’s Child.” Ian would go on to jam with Hendrix, party with Janis Joplin, and play duets with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. But she also had to work to overcome the stigma of her debut, homophobia, industry misogyny, and serious illness. With access to Ian’s music, archive, collaborators, and music journalists, this in-depth documentary chronicles the singer’s epic life journey. (2024, 114 mins)

Midas Man
Saturday, May 3 at 7 PM
& Monday, May 5 at 4 PM
Brian Epstein is recognized today as the man who signed The Beatles, and in doing so, created the blueprint for music artist management. From his formative years to wild, unprecedented global success and the ensuing chaos as he managed and promoted some of the biggest acts in the world, Midas Man brings to life the untold story of one of the world’s most significant outsiders. (2025, 112 mins)

Ada: My Mother the Architect
Sunday, May 4 at 1 PM
With director Yael Melamede in person
Ada Karmi Melamede is one of the most accomplished female architects in the world, but very little is known about her outside her home country of Israel. Ada – My Mother the Architect is a deeply moving portrait of an extraordinary woman directed by her daughter, filmmaker, and former architect, Yael Melamede. Ada is a true pioneer whose work gave physical form to some of Israel’s highest democratic ideals, most notably in the acclaimed Supreme Court building in Jerusalem, the Open University, and Ben Gurion Airport. (2024, 81 mins)

Bad Shabbos
Sunday, May 4 at 4 PM
Kyra Sedgwick and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead a hilarious ensemble cast in the award-winning comedy that took home the Audience Award at the 2024 Tribeca FilmFestival. When David and his fiancé Meg gather for his family’s traditional Shabbat dinner on New York’s Upper West Side, things spiral faster than you can say “hamotzi” when an accidental death (or…murder?) derails the evening entirely. With Meg’s devoutly Catholic parents due any moment to meet David’s very Jewish family, soon Shabbat becomes a comedy of biblical proportions. (2024, 84 mins)

Sabbath Queen
Tuesday, May 6 at 7 PM
With director Sandi Dubowski in person
Filmed over 21 years, Sabbath Queen follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s epic journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis including the Chief Rabbis of Israel. He is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny and becomes a drag queen rebel, a queer bio-dad and the founder of Lab/Shul—an everybody-friendly, God-optional, artist-driven, pop-up experimental congregation. (2024, 105 mins)

The Cinema Arts Centre is located at 423 Park Ave., Huntington. Get tickets and find more info here: https://cinemaartscentre.org/long-island-jewish-film…/

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Monty Python and the Holy Grail will return to select theaters nationwide on Sunday, May 4, and Wednesday, May 7, courtesy of Fathom Entertainment.

“Fathom Entertainment has prided itself in bringing classic and cult classic films back to the big screen where they deserve to be enjoyed by fans – old and new alike. Few classic comedy films top the great Monty Python and the Holy Grail in terms of legendary status. Fathom is delighted to bring it back to theaters upon its 50th anniversary,” said Ray Nutt, Chief Executive Officer at Fathom Entertainment.

Grossing the highest box-office of any British film in the U.S. when released in 1975, this “cult classic” comedy from the Monty Python team loosely follows the legend of King Arthur (Graham Chapman), along with his squire (Terry Gilliam) and his Knights of the Round Table (John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin), as they embark on a fearless quest in search of the elusive Holy Grail.

Locally, participating theaters include AMC Loews Stony Brook 17, Island 16: Cinema de Lux in Holtsville, Regal Cinemas in Deer Park, Showcase Cinemas de lux in Farmindale and Regal UA in Farmingdale.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at Fathom Entertainment in advance or at participating theater box offices.

 

Studio 45 ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Sunday, April 13, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended the grand opening of Studio 45 in Rocky Point, a cardio dance and strength training facility owned by Dr. Kimberly Roff, an Associate Professor at Touro University .

Located at 53D Broadway, the studio offers health and wellness classes featuring a full body workout with cardio dance and teach elements of Yoga, Pilates, and kickboxing blended in as well as additional strength training. “I know the Rocky Point community is passionate about rebuilding and revitalizing Broadway and what a great idea to start a fully woman-owned business there,” said Councilwoman Bonner.

Studio 45 can be reached by calling 631-495-5668 or online at www.studio45rockypoint.com.

Ryan Smith

Cold Spring Harbor High School proudly congratulates senior Ryan Smith on earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon civilian youth by the United States Congress. This esteemed recognition celebrates Ryan’s exceptional commitment to community service, personal development and civic engagement. In addition, Ryan received special distinction as a STEM Star, highlighting his outstanding contributions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Established by Congress in 1979, the Congressional Award is a nonpartisan, voluntary program designed to recognize initiative, achievement and service in America’s youth. Gold Medal recipients must complete a rigorous set of requirements, including a minimum of 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development, 200 hours of physical fitness and a five-day, four-night expedition or exploration to foster cultural awareness and growth.

Ryan dedicated over three years to meeting these requirements. His accomplishments include work at Northwell Health’s 3D Design and Innovation Lab, where he developed an application to monitor oxygen levels in portable tanks used for patient transport—enhancing both safety and efficiency. To further his knowledge, Ryan pursued advanced studies in computer science, artificial intelligence, and mathematics through summer coursework.

As part of his recognition, Ryan has been invited to attend the 2025 Congressional Award Gold Medal Summit in Washington, D.C., from June 11–13. During the summit, he will engage with Members of Congress, national leaders in business and public service, and fellow Gold Medalists from across the country. His itinerary will include meetings with New York legislators and a formal reception with the Vice President of the United States.

Ryan exemplifies the values of leadership, service and intellectual curiosity. The Cold Spring Harbor Central School District commends him on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to his continued success.

Mirabelle Restaurant in Stony Brook Village is one of over 90 participating restaurants for Spring Restaurant Week. Photo courtesy of Mirabelle Restaurant

The tri-annual Long Island Restaurant Week is ready to kick off spring with an opportunity to bring customers into Long Island restaurants. Over 90 restaurants on Long Island will participate this year.

In a recent survey sent to diners, over 70% said they are very likely to dine out during Restaurant Week again in the future, and more than 45% said they dine out twice during the promotion.

The Spring edition will take place from Sunday, April 27 to Sunday, May 4, with several prix fixe options. Restaurants may offer a $24 two-course lunch, a $29 three-course dinner menu, a $39 three-course dinner menu and/or a $46 three-course dinner prix fixe. Restaurants may offer one, two or any combination of the four prix fixes during the promotion.

Each participant is required to offer three options per course (appetizer, entrée and dessert) for dinner. Participating restaurants MUST offer the $24 two-course lunch prix fixe, $29, $39 or $46 three-course dinner prix fixe all night every night they are open (or during lunch hours) from Sunday to Sunday, with the exception of Saturday when it may only be offered until 7 p.m.

Back by popular demand, the Gift Card Giveaway returns for the winter promotion and diners have the option to enter to win one of three gift cards to redeemed at a participating restaurant of their choice. To enter to win, diners must visit the Long Island Restaurant Week website before Monday, May 5th at 11:59 p.m. EST and input their information. Winners will be selected on or around Friday, May 9, and will be notified via telephone and/or email.

“On the heels of a very successful Winter Restaurant Week, the spring edition is sure to see more restaurants especially with the seasonal spots opening before the summer season kicks off. Winter Restaurant Week saw over 180 restaurants to choose from and we are expecting even more this spring. As 70% of foodies surveyed have shared that they plan to dine out during restaurant week it’s looking to be a busy week,” shares Nicole Castillo of Long Island Restaurant and Hospitality Group.

For a full list of participants and to view menus, visit www.longislandrestaurantweek.com

Long Island Restaurant Week is proudly sponsored by Long Island Restaurant News, Discover Long Island & Newsday. 

On Long Island Restaurant Week

Long Island Restaurant Week is a tri-annual event designed to garner positive publicity and additional business for the region’s restaurants. Since 2006, it has been an annual fall promotion until the first spring Long Island Restaurant Week was launched in April 2011 and then winter was added in January of 2016, due to popular customer and restaurateur demand.

Mila Charles during last Saturday's match. Photo courtesy of Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook tennis team ended the regular season in style, defeating Queens College 5-2 on Senior Day, April 19, to extend its win streak to six straight matches.

Two out of three set wins secured the doubles point for the Seawolves, as Lorin Tilipman and Elena Lobo-Corral took set one, followed by a hard-fought set three win by Cornelia Bruu-Syversen and Sara Medved.

In singles play, Stony Brook took four of the six matches with wins from Lobo-Corral, Palladino, Mila Charles, and Medved.

DOUBLES RESULTS

— Tilipman/Lobo-Corral (SBU) def. Berggren/Makal (QC), 6-0

— Rivoal/Lamy (QC) def. Palladino/Boro (SBU), 6-1

— Bruu-Syversen/Medved (SBU) def. Bergmann/Saito (QC), 6-4

SINGLES RESULTS

— Lobo-Corral (SBU) def. Makal (QC), 6-2, 6-0

— Palladino (SBU) def. Fawzy (QC), 6-0, 6-3

—Lamy (QC) def. Tilipman (SBU), 6-1, 5-7, [10-7]

— Berggren (QC) def. Bruu-Syversen (SBU), 6-4, 4-6, [10-8]

— Charles (SBU) def. Bergmann (QC), 6-3, 6-3

— Medved (SBU) def. Saito (QC), 6-1, 6-1

Up next, the team now turns their attention to the CAA tournament, which beginson May 2. Stony Brook’s opponent will be announced in the coming days as the bracket finalizes.

Due to rain in the forecast for Saturday, the annual Spring Appreciation Day at the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main St., Stony Brook has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. offering a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.  Visitors can enjoy a variety of entertainment and experiences during this free event, including:

  • Steppin’ Out Ponies & Petting Zoo (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in front of D.K. Brothers): Children can interact with a variety of friendly animals.
  • Mustang & Shelby Club of Long Island Car Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): A spectacular display of Mustangs from 1964 to today, including classic models like the Shelby GT500, GT350, and the Boss 302. This event will also celebrate National Mustang Day, as MSCLI kicks off the season with up to 70 Mustangs on display. (MSCLI members must pre-register to participate; for more information, contact[email protected].)
  • Live Music by Brenda & Burke (noon to 4 p.m. at the Stony Brook Post Office): Enjoy an eclectic mix of R&B, Roots, Blues, and Contemporary Acoustic performances.
  • The Ward Melville Heritage Organization Youth Corps (1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Inner Court): Family-friendly scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. One lucky winner will win a Stony Brook Village gift certificate. Other prizes are available for each participant.
  • Stony Brook Fire Department (noon to 3 p.m. behind the Post Office): Meet local firefighters, explore a fire truck up close, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Giveaway items will be available for children and adults.

While enjoying the festivities, visitors can shop the latest spring styles with special deals at participating Stony Brook Village shops and dine at one of seven delicious restaurants in the open-air village center.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12 Long Island, Goldfish Swim School, and Renewal by Andersen. For more information, visit stonybrookvillage.com

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Celebrate the return of Spring and May Day with a painting workshop at The Atelier at Flowerfield, 2 Flowerfield, Suites 6 & 9, St. James on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Image courtesy of The Atelier at Flowerfield

Did you know that May Day has its roots in astronomy? Traditionally, it was the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice! People around the world celebrate “Bringing in the May,” by gathering cuttings of flowering branches of forsythia, magnolia, redbud, lilac, or other flowering cuttings. At The Atelier, celebrate May Day by painting a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

At this workshop, you will learn about the water-based media Gouache, a method of painting with opaque watercolors. It’s similar to watercolor in that it can be re-wetted and dried to a matte finish, but gouache can give your work dense matte coverage as well as transparent and translucent surfaces just like watercolor. Enjoy learning how to use it both ways, as well as combining techniques to give you a beautiful range of color and pigment density. Your instructor, Beth Drucker, is a Professor, Designer, Artist, Writer, Editor, Instructor and Lecturer. She works in Gouache, Watercolor, Acrylics, Digital Art, Fabric and Fiber.

Ms. Drucker has been an Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design at Nassau Community College for 17 years. Ms. Drucker has worked as an Instructor for The Nassau County Department of Continuing Education, an Adjunct Professor at SUNY F.I.T., Parsons, The New School for Design, The Metropolitan Institute for Design, and (BOCES) The Long Island HS for the Arts. Beth has taught workshops at The Art League of Long Island, The Village Artist, Ripe Art Gallery, Gallery North, and Art and Soul Studio. She is currently judging a show at the suburban art league of Syosset. With Mother’s Day only a week later, what better way to celebrate!

The cost for this 3-hour workshop, which includes materials, is $95 per person. For your convenience, you may register online or call 631-250-9009.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

On Saturday, April 12, ECLI-VIBES invited clients to celebrate Easter at its office in Islandia. Thanks to a heartwarming donation of 200 Easter baskets from community members, 93 families impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, or abuse were able to enjoy the event with their families, allowing each child to pick out their own Easter basket.

Photo courtesy of ECLI-VIBES

“The Easter event deeply touched me. Everything was done with care and kindness, which meant a lot to me and my daughter. It inspired me to want to give back in some way, even if I can only do a little. Knowing people are doing this kind of good work gives me hope,” said an ECLI-VIBES client.

Children also participated in different activities and photo opportunities, like other ECLI-VIBES events. Families attending enjoyed Easter-themed snacks, face painting, photos with the Easter Bunny, therapy dogs, and a planting activity. Volunteers and ECLI-VIBES staff were present to help these families experience the joy of spring.

“The joy displayed by these families illuminated the building,” shared Bilingual Senior Coordinator Danielle Gorman. “It was wonderful to see all the families engaged in the planned activities and excited to choose their Easter baskets.”

Photo courtesy of ECVLI-VIBES

ECLI-VIBES intentionally offers a unique experience that goes beyond traditional human services. Nevertheless, the organization aims to create memorable family experiences through holiday drives and events. This year’s Easter celebration featured themed photoshoots, animal interactions, and creativity-focused, hands-on activities.

“We could simply provide these families with an Easter basket and send them on their way. However, we love to create personal and engaging activities that will create lasting memories for them. We have seen that introducing activities brings more smiles and offers these families a sense of normalcy,” said Assistant Coordinator Gina Ocello.

Some families who signed up for the Easter event could not attend because of the weather. They will be contacted to pick up their baskets separately.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing violence or abuse, call the ECLI-VIBES 24-hour hope line at (631) 360-3606. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and the services they provide, visit www.eclivibes.org.

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About ECLI-VIBES

ECLI-VIBES is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking and empower individuals to break free from the cycle of violence and abuse and achieve independence. They provide services such as a 24-hour hope line, counseling programs, advocacy assistance, legal assistance, a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program, housing programs, and a fully-stocked community food pantry. To learn more about ECLI-VIBES and how you can get involved, please visit www.eclivibes.org.

On Thursday, April 17, Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. honored John Cronin, founder of John’s Crazy Socks, with the Community Leadership Award in recognition of his hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and neurodiversity. Sheriff Toulon presented the award to John and Mark Cronin during a special visit to their newly opened storefront in Farmingdale, celebrating both John’s business success and his commitment to making a difference.

Each month, Sheriff Toulon presents the Community Leadership Award to Suffolk County residents who go above and beyond to support their communities and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. To nominate someone for the Sheriff Toulon Community Leadership Award, please email: [email protected]