About the Carmel Jewish Film Festival

The CJFF is a unique event on the Monterey Peninsula. Its reach includes both Jewish and non-Jewish communities as it seeks to educate and provoke thought and dialogue on a variety of subjects through the medium of film. As the festival enters its tenth year, organizers continue to take it to a higher level by forging new community partnerships and increasing participation. Additional advertising, expanded marketing, and greater social media presence are some of the tools to reach our goals. We hope that high-quality programming and social events will attract new filmgoers.

Response to the CJFF has been overwhelmingly positive. Each year

we have increased the number of films and audience size. Our 2014 move to outside venues improved seating, sound quality, and overall viewer experience. Our partnerships with the Carmel High School Center for the Performing Arts, Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey, and Lighthouse Cinemas offer event management expertise. CJFF provides community service opportunities for local high school and college students and military personnel.

Chambers of commerce, tourist attractions, lodgings, restaurants,

and other businesses can advertise year-round on our website. This highlights the Monterey Peninsula as a travel destination and gives the CJFF a potential national audience.

We welcome your participation and feedback.

Films for Everyone! Who Knew?

Dolphin Boy reception at the Golden Bough

Benefactors Wendie & Stephen Ryter

Dr. David Epel & Dr. Ilan Kutz

Israel Deputy Consul General Eyal Naor and Rabbi Bruce Greenbaum

About Congregation Beth Israel

Congregation Beth Israel is the largest and oldest synagogue on the Monterey Peninsula. We are a growing congregation with approximately 275 member households. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and are unified in our Jewish spirit. We are a Reform congregation, a member of the Union for Reform Judaism, in the mainstream of liberal Judaism. As liberal Jews we look to our heritage as a repository of wisdom, insight, and numerous possibilities for religious expression.

We involve ourselves in reaching out to families with children, intermarried couples, singles, and other groups in need of our attention. We participate in community events such as blood drives, I-HELP, food drives, and helping to feed the hungry. We support the bereaved, visit the sick, and lend a hand to those in need in our community. We also extend our help with cooking and transportation for those in mourning and those who are recovering from an illness. We are a caring congregation.

To learn more about us, please contact our office at 831-624-2015 or

email shalomcbi@aol.com.