POTSDAM – The 40th Annual Jewish Food Festival will be held Dec. 8, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Beth El, 81 Market St., Potsdam.

The festival will feature a delectable lunch of matzo ball soup, potato latkes, kugel, blintzes, falafel, deli foods, gourmet desserts, as well as a bake sale, raffle for a weekend in Montreal and more, said Laini Kavaloski, one of the festival organizers.

“We have the same old favorites like knishes, latkes, matzo ball soup, and cabbage rolls along with a few new desserts. We have recently added a raffle for a weekend in Montreal!” said Kavaloski.

While there are many excellent dishes, falafel, potato latkes, harvest soup, and Israeli birthday cake are a few of the “must try” dishes, Kavaloski said.

As in year’s past, the temple’s main floor will serve as a bakery and gift shop. The bakery features fresh breads and challah for purchase from Montreal, as well as home-baked delicacies. The gift shop has a variety of gift items such as candles, dreidels, menorahs, decorations and jewelry for sale.

Downstairs lunch will be served, buffet-style. New York style cheesecake and other treats will be available for dessert.

Food purchases at the festival can be made with cash or credit card.

The festival is free to attend and organizers expect a sizeable turnout again this year. “We had several hundred folks come by last year. We actually ran out of food earlier than expected, so be sure to come nice and early,” said Kavaloski.

“The festival is a fundraising event for Beth Israel. We use the proceeds for kids' programming, a music festival, and other great events that the synagogue puts on,” she said.

At least 60 volunteers contribute time and effort to the annual festival Kavaloski said. “We get some wonderful student volunteers from the four colleges as well. Many of the people that help ask to return year after year because they have so much fun,” she said.

Contact Kavaloski at 608-335-6380 for more information.