• Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara Board President Lauren Katz, left, Second District county Supervisor Janet Wolf, Jewish Federation Executive Director Michael Rassler and Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, celebrate community and unity at the Jewish Federation’s “Friends of the Festival” Gala Kickoff on April 1 at Bacara Resort & Spa.
  • Authentic Jewish cuisine with an assortment of bread, olives and cheeses.
  • Renee Golan with Camp Haverim Director Itzik Ben-Sasson and Victoria Orloff-Tilton, clinician for Jewish Family Service.
  • Guests mingle at the “Friends of the Festival” Gala Kickoff.
  • Jewish Festival event coordinator Suzy Kaufer with Santa Barbara Teen News Network reporter Coby Kaufer.
  • Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara board members Rabbi Ira Youdovin and Alan Levy with Joan Rothenberg and board member Sarah Cohen-Domont.
  • Mission Wealth Management Business Development Director Dannell Stuart and client advisor Kimberly Horn.
  • Katie Scardino and Christine Howard of Felici Events.
  • Jack Camiel of Sonrisa Enterprises and Judith Koph of the Center for Successful Aging.
  • Jessica Schaeman and Kira Fay.
  • Rep. Lois Capps, D-Santa Barbara, presents Jewish Federation Executive Director Michael Rassler with a certificate of Congressional Recognition from Congress in honor of the federation’s contributions to the community.
  • Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson and backup singer Rachael North provided a splendid mix of Jewish folk tunes and gospel melodies for the gala kickoff.
  • Guests clap and sway to the music of Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson in the Bacara Screening Room.