Festival Events & Schedule

Hunter Prosper
Stories from a Stranger: Every person has a story.

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Experience the powerful debut from Hunter Prosper, Stories from a Stranger: Every person has a story., a compelling collection of personal narratives that illuminate the human experience in all its complexity. An ICU nurse with a viral social media following, Hunter began interviewing strangers during the COVID-19 pandemic to foster connection and community through shared stories of resilience and hope.

Drawing from diverse voices and untold experiences, Prosper weaves moments of vulnerability and strength that challenge and inspire. This evocative work offers readers a fresh perspective on empathy and the shared threads that unite us all— making it a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the stranger in us and around us.

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Jean Meltzer
The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$18

Bestselling author Jean Meltzer returns with a sparkling new holiday rom-com that blends love, laughter, and Jewish tradition. The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah follows a struggling songwriter facing past heartbreaks and rediscovering hope— just in time for the Festival of Lights.

With her signature warmth and charm, Meltzer offers an unforgettable evening of storytelling, humor, and heart. Expect laughter, insight, and a touch of holiday magic.

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Nate Berkus
Foundations

7pm
The J, Edison Gymnasium
$36

We welcome you to an evening with legendary designer Nate Berkus, one of modern design’s most influential voices. With a career spanning decades, Nate has become a trusted name in interiors, known for his warm, timeless style that transforms spaces into personal sanctuaries. His rise to fame was propelled by his memorable appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he became a household name, and he has since built an impressive career as a designer, author, and television host.

In his newest book, Foundations, Nate shares the essential principles of design that create spaces that feel both beautiful and deeply personal. Drawing on his rich experience and distinctive aesthetic, this book offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone looking to craft a home that truly reflects who they are.

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Jack Fairweather
The Prosecutor: One Man’s Battle to Bring Nazis to Justice
Part of the Arthur Gale Jewish Lives Series

7pm
St. Louis County Library – Clark Family Branch
FREE

In conversation with Meghan O’Toole King of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Dive into the incredible history of Fritz Bauer, a gay, Jewish judge from Stuttgart who survived the Nazis and made it his mission to force his countrymen to confront their complicity in the genocide.

In The Prosecutor: One Man’s Battle to Bring Nazis to Justice, award-winning journalist Jack Fairweather brings to life the extraordinary journey of Bauer whose moral clarity and tireless pursuit of justice helped shape the postwar world. From uncovering evidence of Nazi atrocities to becoming a foundational voice in international human rights law, Bauer’s legacy is a powerful reminder of the impact one determined individual can make.

Don’t miss this compelling conversation about justice, memory, and the enduring fight against impunity.

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Jen Glantz
Finally the Bride: A Memoir about Finding Love After Walking Down Everyone Else’s Aisle

7pm
TBD
$36

In conversation with Meghan O’Toole King of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

From walking down the aisle dozens of times to walking her own unique path, Jen Glantz has built a one-of-a-kind career as the world’s first professional bridesmaid. In her latest book, Finally the Bride: A Memoir about Finding Love After Walking Down Everyone Else’s Aisle. Glantz shares the deeply personal—and often hilarious—story of what happens when the bridesmaid becomes the bride.

With warmth, wit, and hard-won insight, Glantz invites us into her unconventional journey through love, independence, and self-discovery. This is a heartfelt exploration of modern relationships, expectations, and the courage it takes to define happiness on your own terms. Don’t miss this refreshingly honest and engaging conversation with one of today’s most original voices in storytelling and entrepreneurship.

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Judith Pearson
Radical Sisters

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Discover the untold story of four bold women—Shirley Temple Black, Rose Kushner, Evelyn Lauder, and Betty Ford—who helped ignite a movement that transformed how we talk about, treat, and survive breast cancer. In Radical Sisters, acclaimed author and journalist Judith Pearson traces how these courageous advocates turned their personal diagnoses into public crusades, sparking a national conversation that has saved countless lives.

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Adriana E. Ramirez
Editor & Author

Join us as we start our 2025 Jewish Book Festival season with a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month by welcoming acclaimed writer, performer, and editor Adriana E. Ramírez. A Colombian-Mexican American author and the winner of the PEN/Fusion Emerging Writers Prize, Ramírez is known for her fearless storytelling, dynamic voice, and incisive cultural commentary.

The former critic at The Los Angeles Times and judge of the LA Times Book Award, Ramírez brings a powerful presence to the stage as she explores identity, family, and the layered experiences of diaspora. In this special appearance, she’ll also reflect on her personal journey in discovering and embracing her Jewish heritage— offering a compelling and deeply personal narrative that bridges cultures and communities.

Eli Sharabi
Hostage

7pm
The J, Edison Gymnasium
$36

On February 8, 2025, after 491 days in Hamas captivity, Eli Sharabi emerged from the tunnels of Gaza, a shadow of his former self, and finally made his way home to Israel, only to learn the devastating news that his wife and daughters had been killed on October 7.

In his highly anticipated book, Hostage, Sharabi shares his harrowing journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering hope. This powerful appearance offers a rare, firsthand account of strength in the face of unimaginable darkness.

The first memoir to be published by a survivor of Hamas captivity, Hostage was an instant bestseller in Israel, breaking the record for fastest-selling book in the history of Hebrew publishing.

Individual tickets are sold out for this event. If you are still interested in attending, please purchase an All-Access Pass.

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Presented by St. Louis Friends of Israel

Steve Hoffstetter
Comedian

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Fresh off his hundred-city tour, beloved comedian Steve Hofstetter brings his razor-sharp wit and unfiltered humor to the J for a one-night-only event you won’t want to miss. Known for his brilliantly quick comebacks, viral videos, and fearless takedowns of hecklers, Hofstetter has amassed a massive online following and appeared on shows like The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and E! True Hollywood Story.

With his signature blend of intellect, edge, and hilarity, Steve delivers stand-up that’s as thought-provoking as it is laugh-out-loud funny. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his comedy, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of smart, bold, and brutally honest humor.

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Lee Yaron
10/7: 100 Human Stories

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Winner of the 2024 National Jewish Book Award, 10/7: 100 Human Stories is a searing work of investigative journalism by Haaretz reporter Lee Yaron. Through over 100 firsthand accounts—from survivors, first responders, and bereaved families— Yaron documents the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Spanning Jewish, Arab, Bedouin, and foreign communities, 10/7 honors not only how people died, but how they lived. This portrait of grief, resilience, and reckoning offers an urgent lens into a nation—and region—forever changed.

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Andrew Leland
The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir, The Country of the Blind: A Memoir at the End of Sight is Andrew Leland’s powerful and deeply personal exploration of life on the threshold between sight and blindness. As his vision gradually fades due to retinitis pigmentosa, Leland thoughtfully navigates questions of identity, disability, and perception with remarkable insight, wit, and vulnerability.

Blending memoir with history, philosophy, and cultural critique, Leland challenges conventional ideas about ability and belonging in a world designed primarily for the sighted. His compelling narrative invites readers to reconsider how we see ourselves and others—and what it truly means to live fully.

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Esther Chehebar
Sisters of Fortune

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Debut novelist Esther Chehebar brings to life the glittering yet tightly bound world of Syrian Jewish high society in New York in Sisters of Fortune. Set within the vibrant world of a tight-knit Syrian Jewish immigrant family in Brooklyn, Sisters of Fortune is a witty, warmhearted debut about sisterhood, generational dreams, and the rituals— emotional and culinary—that bind us. Esther brings a fresh voice and sharp insight to a coming-of-age story that is as much about where we come from as where we’re headed.

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Diana Goldman
Plants for You

1pm
Missouri Botanical Gardens
$18

An inspiring afternoon with plant-based chef and educator Diana Goldman, author of the hit cookbook, Plants for You. A certified plant-based nutrition educator and Sierra Club cooking chef, Diana is passionate about helping others eat with compassion, health, and joy. Whether you’re vegan-curious or a long-time plant-based eater, this session offers practical tools, tips, and tastes to transform your kitchen—and your well-being. Expect an engaging experience full of inspiration and actionable advice to make plant-based living accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

In Partnership with Missouri Botanical Garden.

Audience members are invited to enjoy the Missouri Botanical Garden for free, after the author event concludes.

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Susan Dominus
The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Get ready for an inspiring author event with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Susan Dominus as she discusses her compelling new book, The Family Dynamic: A Journey into the Mystery of Sibling Success.

Through insightful storytelling and deep research, Dominus explores how sibling relationships shape our lives—uncovering the secrets behind bonds that last, rivalries that challenge, and the powerful role family plays in our personal journeys. Drawing from her rich reporting and personal stories, this event promises to be both enlightening and deeply relatable.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of today’s most respected journalists and gain fresh perspectives on family, success, and connection.

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Christopher C. Gorham
Matisse at War

1pm
St. Louis Art Museum
$18

An illuminating conversation with author Christopher C. Gorham as he presents his captivating new book, Matisse at War. In this richly researched narrative, Gorham explores the life of Henri Matisse during World War II—a time of great personal and political upheaval. Through the lens of one of the 20th century’s most influential artists, Matisse at War reveals how creativity and resilience flourished amid conflict and oppression.

Discover a fresh perspective on art, history, and the enduring power of human expression during times of turmoil.

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Jane Eisner
Carole King: She Made the Earth Move

5:30pm Reception in the Edison Gymnasium
7pm Program in the Performing Arts Center
The J – St. Louis
$36

Celebrate Women’s Night with an inspiring evening featuring acclaimed author and journalist Jane Eisner, former Editor-in-Chief of The Forward. Eisner will dive deep into Carole King: She Made the Earth Move, part of the Yale Jewish Lives Series, illuminating the life, career, and cultural significance of the groundbreaking singersongwriter whose music has touched generations and helped shape the landscape of popular music.

Special guest and St. Louis’ own acclaimed musician Mattie Schelle will join us for a heartfelt musical performance, paying tribute to King’s enduring legacy and influence on artists across genres. This event is certain to be a memorable night of storytelling and song that celebrates women’s creativity, resilience, and profound cultural impact.

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Edward Hirsch
My Childhood in Pieces: A Stand-Up Comedy, a Skokie Elegy

11am
The J, Performing Arts Center
$18

Step into the world of renowned poet and critic Edward Hirsch as he presents My Childhood in Pieces: A Stand-Up Comedy, a Skokie Elegy, a deeply personal and often funny memoir about his childhood in suburban Chicago. Hirsch, celebrated for his rich legacy as one of America’s leading poets and former president of the Guggenheim Foundation, blends cutting humor with poignant reflection to explore memory, family, and identity. This event offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of today’s most influential voices in literature.

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Sponsored by St. Louis NORC.

11am
The J, Performing Arts Center
$18

Gail Benick
The Courts on Maple Drive

A spirited widow in her seventies takes up pickleball.

Ronald Gieseke
Baseball Bench Coach

A heartfelt celebration of America’s pastime.

Max Levin
Under the Stretcher

A look at the 2014 Operation Protective Edge by an American-born Israeli soldier.

Frances Levine
Crossings: Women on the Santa Fe Trail

A compelling exploration of the Trail through personal stories from those who journeyed its route.

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Joshua Malina
Star of The West Wing, Scandal, and host of Unorthodox

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

In Conversation with Jessica Radloff, West Coast Editor of Glamour, NYT Best-Selling Author of The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series and St. Louis native.

A very special evening with actor and podcast host Joshua Malina, known for his standout roles on acclaimed series like The West Wing and Scandal. With a career marked by clever wit and thoughtful storytelling, Joshua brings a unique perspective shaped by his Jewish upbringing.

This promises to be an evening of laughter, reflection, and behind-the-scenes stories from Joshua’s extensive career in television, theatre, and podcasting. Hear firsthand accounts from iconic sets, explore how his cultural roots influence his work, and enjoy a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and connection. Don’t miss this chance to engage with a versatile artist whose humor and insight resonate on and off the screen.

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Presenting Sponsor: The Jewish Federation of St. Louis

Ben and Max Merkowitz
The Writer

7pm
The J, Performing Arts Center
$36

Don’t miss a conversation with seasoned media professionals and all-around creatives, brothers Ben and Max Berkowitz, as they discuss their new graphic novel The Writer. This compelling and darkly funny story—co-written by actor Josh Gad, whose passion helped bring the story to life—explores magic and Jewish folklore, weaving a rich cultural tapestry that delves into identity, tradition, and storytelling in fresh ways to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

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Beejhy Barhany
Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond

7pm
Congregation Shaare Emeth
$36 ($18 for Congregation Shaare Emeth members)

Get ready for a flavorful and unforgettable evening with chef, entrepreneur, and Tsion Café founder Beejhy Barhany in celebration of Sigd, the ancient Ethiopian Jewish holiday that honors both communal unity and the giving of the Torah. Observed 50 days after Yom Kippur, Sigd is a time of reflection, renewal, and connection to heritage. Barhany will share stories and recipes from her debut cookbook, Gursha: Timeless Recipes for Modern Kitchens, from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem, and Beyond, bringing to life the rich flavors and cultural traditions of her Ethiopian-Jewish roots through food, storytelling, and conversation. Light refreshments will be served!

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In partnership with Congregation Shaare Emeth.