The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches Names Aaron Kula as its Director of Arts & Culture

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - October 12, 2021 – The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches announced today that Aaron Kula will be named as the new Director of Arts & Culture. Kula, who joins the Mandel JCC after serving as Director of Music Performance and Education at FAU Libraries, brings a wealth of vital experience, including a vision for creating dynamic cultural arts experiences that connect people to Jewish life and implementing innovative and engaging programming initiatives.

The Mandel JCC of the Palm Beaches is currently home to The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival, founded in 1990 bringing the finest examples of cinema from around the world to Palm Beach, as well as the Mandel JCC Book Festival, promoting awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people through written word. Both programs have strengthened the community consciousness of Jewish identity, history and culture and provide a community forum to stimulate dynamic and provocative dialogue.

“Aaron Kula’s interdisciplinary career in music and the arts make him the perfect person to bring our programming to the next level. Our goal at the Mandel JCC is to expand our offerings and be a destination for best-in-class cultural and performing arts. Aaron has an incredible pulse on what the community wants and with his guidance will bring our big ideas to life,” said Jesse Rosen, Mandel JCC President and CEO.

A nationally recognized conductor, educator, composer, accordionist and producer, Kula is a Fulbright Music Specialist and was awarded a grant in 2018 to conduct and lecture in Israel with appearances at the U.S. Embassy, Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, and music conservatories in the Negev and Western Galilee.

His lifelong interest in Classical, Jazz, and Folk music led him to form the award-winning Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra in 1997. Formerly he served as conductor for Boston Ballet, New England Conservatory and was he also conducted the FAU orchestra for six years before being appointed the first Director of Music Performance and Education at FAU Libraries in 2003.

“I see such incredible opportunity in this vibrant Jewish community,” shared Kula. “and I look forward to working with a strong team of lay and staff professionals to ensure we meet the needs of everyone we serve.”

The Mandel JCC has two locations: in Palm Beach Gardens at 5221 Hood Road and in Boynton Beach at 8500 Jog Road. For more information about JCC programs and services at both locations, visit JCConline.com.