Cantor Caitlin Bromberg, left, Gerard Edery. Photos Courtesy Temple Israel

Temple Israel and JCC of Ridgewood will launch its new series of “Winter Music” with Sephardic music by folklorist Gerard Edery, his ensemble, and Temple Israel’s cantor, Caitlin Bromberg, on Saturday, Jan. 21. Songs will be in Ladino, a blend of medieval Spanish, Hebrew, and other Romance languages and Middle Eastern elements. The concert is a fund-raiser for the shul’s Brandeis Men’s Club and is co-sponsored by the music committee. There will be a cocktail reception from 5:45 to 7 p.m., a catered dinner and dessert (featuring foods from Europe and Northern Africa), from 7 to 8:30, followed by the concert. Call (201) 444-9320 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Stanley Fischman Photos courtesy BPY

Ben Porat Yosef in Paramus will celebrate the launch of Stanley Fischman’s (BPY’s director of general studies) new book “Seven Steps to “Mentchhood,” at the school, on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 8:15 p.m. Fischman will also discuss “The Virtue of a Principle-Driven Life.”

Fischman spent 10 years writing the resource book for parents and teachers based on Torah verses and real-life scenarios and applications. Books will be available for purchase and signing. For information, call (201) 845-5007 or www.benporatyosef.org.

Classical music superstar/Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell will perform at the Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood on Sunday, Jan. 22 at 3 p.m. Prior to the performance he will meet with violin students from The Elisabeth Morrow School for a private workshop and there will be a special opening performance by school’s Chamber Virtuosi conducted by Amelia Gold. (201) 227-1030 or www.bergenpac.org.

It is time again to bundle up and go out to explore the world of Jewish cinema. The New York Jewish Film Festival is now under way at Lincoln Center. This year, it offers 35 films from 11 countries, many never again
to be seen in our area. The festival continues through Jan. 26.

Over the years, most audiences have been more interested in the narrative films that have been the hallmark of this festival, as have I. Of late, however, we are seeing more — and better — Jewish film documentaries. This year, I am more impressed by them than the fiction films. Most are significant and worthy of consideration.

Of course, a documentary film may not draw a viewer in the way a “regular” theatrical work will do. There are no known actors, no magnificent sunsets, no plot twists, no dramatic climaxes, no surprise endings. Nevertheless, these films are worth seeing.

Alacorde Piano Trio Courtesy Wayne Y

The Wayne Y continues its Sundays Backstage at the Y series with the Alacorde Piano Trio with pianist Jacqueline Schiller-Audi, violinist Jee Sun Lee, and cellist Suji Kim. The program includes “Trio in G Major Gypsy” by Joseph Haydn, “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by Astor Piazzolla, and “Trio in G Minor OP 15” by Bedrich Smetena, 1 p.m. (973) 595-0100, ext. 237.

JCC Thurnauer School of Music students perform at a recent Jazz Wednesday. Michael Reingold

The JCC Thurnauer School of Music, named a Major Arts Institution by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, offers Jazz Wednesdays. The lively and fun free monthly showcases of the school’s jazz combos and large ensemble are held in Studio 1 of the Music School. The school is part of the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades in Tenafly.

The next Jazz Wednesday will be on Jan. 25. Subsequent performances will be on Feb. 29, March 28, April 25, and May 30. All take place at 7:30 p.m. in Studio 1 of the Music School. (201) 408-1465, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or jccotp.org/thurnauer.

Cleveland has gained an unlikely new patron of the arts: the local Jewish federation.

As part of a new project to help showcase Israeli artists, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland is helping to facilitate Israeli performances at some of the city’s major museums, concert halls, and theaters. The program, launched this fall, aims not just to boost Israel, but the Israeli arts, as well, with the message that Israeli culture is not just for the JCC anymore.