The Jewish Cultural Center in São Paulo is an organization which promotes ties between the Jewish community and Brazilian society, with a view to advancing respect among peoples and the full understanding of peace.
São Paulo travelers who don't speak Portuguese can enjoy several of the activities on the busy Jewish Cultural Center calendar. With English-speaking monitors to help visitors and events that transcend language, such as art exhibits, music shows and dance performances, the Center is one of the top cultural venues in São Paulo for anyone who cherishes the Jewish heritage and multicultural experiences.
1. The Building
Designed by architect Roberto Loeb and officially opened in April 2003, the Jewish Cultural Center building is shaped like a Torah. The way it was planned allows for a great diversity of events, from shows and social celebrations to small meetings.
Located next to the Sumaré subway station (on the Green Line), the Jewish Cultural Center is in an area of great cultural and tourist appeal in São Paulo. Vila Madalena, Paulista Avenue and the Jardins district are all nearby.
2. Cafeteria
The cafeteria at the Jewish Cultural Center is one of the best places in São Paulo to eat kosher food. Chef Simone Chevis, who also teaches Jewish culinary classes at the Center, prepares traditional dishes from various parts of the world. Falafel, gefilte fish and tzimmes are some of the specialties on the buffet, which features salads, hot dishes and desserts.
Open: Lunch only (Tue-Fri, Noon-3p)
Price: 25 reais/person (drinks and service not included)
3. Gallery
In the Gallery, there are exhibits such as Beauty Hunter, by Israeli artist David Gerstein (through July 31, 2008). Other areas, from the Auditorium hall to the building façade, are also used for multimedia installations and artistic displays.
To view exhibits for the month, go to the Centro da Cultura Judaica website and on the menu, click on Programação, then on Programação do Mês. There is also information in Exposições.
4. Music and Dance
From opera and dance to classical music at the theater, there is bound to be a musical or dance attraction at the Center. To find events on the website, go to the home page and click on Programação do Mês (see above). There is also information under:
- Dança
- Ópera Café
- Concertos de Música Clássica
- Música
- Movimento Violão
5. Courses and Projects
The Center promotes a broad scope of activities to foster a deeper understanding of Jewish heritage, promote peaceful coexistence and preserve memory:
- Courses; Yiddish; Hebrew; Jewish History; Kabbalah; Folk Dancing
- Special Projects, such as the Jewish Movie Festival
- Social Projects - Coexistence workshops in schools; Projeto Lembrar (Project Remember), an educational project for middle and high schools based on a documentary with testimonies of Holocaust survivors in Brazil. The testimonies were collected for the USC Shoah Foundation Institute
- Publication of a cultural magazine (Revista 18)
- Sipurim - Storytime for children 4-10 (in Portuguese)
6. Contact Information and Directions
Address:
Rua Oscar Freire 2500Sumaré
CEP 05409-012
Phone: 11-3065-4333 (English speakers available)
Official website: www.culturajudaica.org.br
How to get there:
Take the subway and get off at the Sumaré station. To view a map, go to the Jewish Cultural Center website, click on Institucional, then on Localização.
Hours:
Daily 10a-10p
