After facing uncertainty last year, the Jewish Festival returns for its 40th celebration with expanded food, new leadership and strong community backing.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — After facing an uncertain future just a year ago, the Jewish Festival makes a comeback for their 40th celebration.

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Preps are underway for this year’s Jewish Festival, marking a major milestone as the event celebrates its 40th year.

It’s a milestone many didn’t think they would reach but festival’s spokesperson Brittany Sandbach said much thought was given to ensure this tradition continued.

“Last year we were uncertain of the future of our Jewish food festival, and with it being the 40th anniversary, we really wanted to make sure that we had the support we needed from our community. And so, people have really pulled together this year and donated and really put in their time and effort to put all of this food together. So we’re so excited to be able to be back this year,” Sandbach said.

That outpouring of support—both within and outside the congregation–something Congregation Beth Israel Rabbi Gabrielle Cohn said has made an impact.

“It’s so amazing to see the people who typically have been in the background or have only really stepped up during the food fest itself to step up into roles of organizing and planning and prep, which happens for months and months and months and to see the older generation mentor and help make sure that they are succeeding in all of the things that they are hoping to achieve,” Cohn said.

With new leadership, crews are working to make sure this year’s celebration honors heritage and the people that fought to keep it alive. 

“We’ve been doing this year after year for our community so they can come and get a glimpse of Jewish life, but also our favorite foods that we like to showcase so they can expect some delicious foods. We’ve got our silent auction a wonderful vintage shop, and then of course our sweet shop which has hollow bread and hamantasche and so much more,” Sandbach said. 

And beyond the 40th year, organizers said they’re already looking ahead.

“Our focus right now on food is on Ashkenazi food, which is food from Eastern European backgrounds, and Jewish foods come from all different backgrounds, so there’s also Svadi, Mizrachi, which is Spain and the Middle Eastern area, and it would be super cool that maybe one day we will branch into not just Ashkenazi Jewish food but also Sardi and Mizrahi.,” Cohn said.

With an estimated 1,500 people attending the festival this year, Sandbach said they’ve prepared more food to accommodate the crowds. for now, the community is celebrating the fact that this festival is still here

“People don’t get to try different Jewish foods, and so this is their one time to do that here in Corpus, and we like to do it year after year so that people can have their favorite matzo ball soup or their favorite brisket each year,” Sandbach said. 

The Corpus Christi Jewish Food Festival will take place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Congregation Beth Israel.