The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival 2013 (AJFF) is the best festival and the second largest of world of its kind kicked off January 30 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

It promises to be 22 days of non-stop movies and events that center around the cultural of Jewish tradition.  However their universal themes have something for everybody.  One of the reasons I enjoy film festivals is that you are exposed to movies you would not be exposed to.  They give you the ability to see many films in a short period of time.

The opening night gala was a celebration with local restaurants and celebrities; I simply could not get enough of the good eats. Some of the highlights for me are the spinach and lamb with roasted garlic mashed potatoes with Chef MG Farris of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.  The gnocchi Bolognese from Chef Richard Lee of Davio’s was exquisite. By far the biggest line was at the sushi delights from Chef Marlyn Dobbs of Aja and Chef Avi Biton of Tel Avi prepared a fired-roasted eggplant soup; masabacha of lamb and Israeli white fish ceviche.

The music was not your regular DJ but “The Society Express Band” with Jeni Michelson who prepared the guest for the night’s movie by centering her entertainment with the hava nagila, who names sake was also the opening night movie Hava Nagilia. Of which the director of the movie Roberta Grossman was in the house munching on these delicacies and have a marvelous grand time.

Atlanta’s own Bill Tush, who is a legend in entertainment reporting was all smiles as he shared with me the joys of this fun festival, and who can disagree with him, everyone one loves a good time, “mazel tov!”

The Atlanta Jewish Film festival, the second largest Jewish Film Festival in the world, and last year over 31,000 tickets were sold.  Don’t miss out to check out some great films that showcase the best of the best.

For tickets and information visit: www.AJFF.org  or call the box office at 1-866-214-2072