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.