INTRO/HISTORY
The Ashkenaz Festival is one of the world’s largest public celebrations of Yiddish and Jewish culture. The Festival takes place biennially at Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre and satellite locations throughout Toronto. Each edition of this multidisciplinary event presents approximately 50-75 artists/groups from Canada and around the world working in music, film, theatre, dance, literature, craft, and visual arts.

The Ashkenaz Festival was founded in 1995 by David Buchbinder, Bruce Rosensweet, and Diane Wienrib. Three festivals took place under the original management team (1995, 1997, 1999). Three more festivals took place under the artistic direction of Mitch Smolkin (2002, 2004, 2006), working with such co-producers as Marc Glassman, Judy Wolfe, and Gordie Wolfe.  Past Board chairs have included founding Chair Rosalie Sharp, Heather Hoffman, and Judy Wolfe.

Ashkenaz has recently installed the third management team in its history with Executive Director Karen Tisch and Artistic Director Eric Stein.