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Nearly Five Decades of Authors, Ideas, and Stories
For nearly five decades, the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series has welcomed renowned authors, influential thinkers, and unforgettable storytellers to St. Louis. Through conversations that expand the mind and capture the heart, the festival invites audiences to explore Jewish stories, exchange ideas, and experience the power of books to connect us.
What began as an annual celebration of Jewish literature has grown into one of the region’s premier cultural events. Today, the festival includes a week of author programs each November, along with literary events and compelling speakers throughout the year. Together, these programs create more than 30 opportunities annually for audiences to listen, learn, reflect, and engage.
Whether you are a lifelong reader, curious about a new idea, or eager to join a meaningful conversation, you belong at the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series.
2026–27 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival Executive Board & Staff
The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series is made possible by dedicated volunteers and staff who bring exceptional authors, engaging ideas, and meaningful conversations to our community.
Executive Board
Festival Co-Chairs: Cathy Dobkin and Laurie Chod
Outreach Coordinator: Brenda Pereles
Accessibility: Robin Hoffman
Books and Bagels: Madelon Scallet
Bookstore: Alison Wisniewski
Day Of: Sheri Corman
Missouri’s Own: Diane Bleyer
Sponsorship Hospitality: Judy Scissors and Judy Schwartz Jaffe
Sponsorship Reception: Barb Raznick and Barb Kramer
Women’s Night: Debbi Braunstein and Debbie Polinsky
Young Adult: Samantha Fomera
Staff
Director of Literary Arts: Josiah Schmidt
Box Office Coordinator: Elliot Auch
Cultural Arts Senior Director: John Wilson
Technical Director: Laura Skroska
Chief Officer, Jewish Engagement: Rabbi Brad Horwitz
Past Authors and Speakers
Past authors and speakers have included Eli Sharabi, Joshua Malina, Ben Bernanke, Barbara Boxer, and many other celebrated voices from literature, history, politics, entertainment, and Jewish life.
Explore past authors and speakers
Book Festival Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series runs from October 2026 through May 2027. Visit the event schedule for individual program dates and times.
Everyone is welcome. You do not need to be Jewish or a member of the J to attend. Programs are designed for anyone who enjoys great books, compelling speakers, and thoughtful conversation!
Event locations may vary. Please review the individual event listing or the event schedule for the correct venue, arrival information, and parking details.
Tickets and season passes may be purchased online. Advance purchase is encouraged because some programs may sell out.
For assistance, contact the J Box Office at 314-442-3283.
College and grad students may purchase $5 tickets at checkout and are requested to bring their college ID to the event for verification. Tickets for children under 18 years of age are free and may be added during checkout.
Wheelchair seating and companion seating are available for all author presentations. Captioning is available at all author presentations hosted at the J, but may not be available at author presentations hosted at off-site partner organizations. Please contact the J Box Office at 314-442-3283 if you need assistance or accommodations.
Books are available for purchase at select events. Book sales and signing information will be included in the individual event listing when available.
Your gift helps the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series bring exceptional authors, speakers, and Jewish stories to our community. One-time gifts and sponsorship opportunities are available.
Donate to the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival & Speaker Series
| J Box Office t: 314-442-3283 |
Director, Literary Arts Josiah Schmidt 314-442-3294 |
Senior Director, Cultural Arts John Wilson 314-442-3190 |
| BOX OFFICE HOURS: MON-THU 10 a.m.-noon in person | MON-FRI 10 a.m.-4 p.m. by phone | ||