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Jewish Community Center

Festival Events & Schedule

Event Schedule & Tickets

Get your All-Access Pass to the 2024 Jewish Book Festival now!

Passes allow access to more than 25 St. Louis Jewish Book Festival author events year-round, including Book End events. The All-Access Pass provides more than $850 in value.

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Date Time Location Author(s) Book Title Quick Link Ticket Link
November 8 1pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Emily Matchar,
Michael J. Cooper
In the Shadow of the Greenbrier: A Novel;
Wages of Empire: A Novel
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November 9 7:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Eddie Shapiro Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with More of the Great Women of Musical Theater Learn More Tickets
November 10 3pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Ari Gold Father Verses Sons: A Correspondence in Poems Learn More Tickets
November 10 7:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Karen Kirsten Irena’s Gift: An Epic World War II Memoir of Sisters, Secrets, And Survival Learn More Tickets
November 11 7:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Stuart E. Eizenstat The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements that Changed the World Learn More Tickets
November 12 1pm Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County Ilan Evyatar Target Tehran: How Mossad Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination – and Secret Diplomacy – to Stop a Nuclear Iran and Realign the New Middle East Learn More Tickets
November 12 7:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center R. Derek Black The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Supremacy to Antiracism Learn More Tickets
November 13 5pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Sara Glass, Rossi,
Sara Sherbill
Kissing Girls on Shabbat: A Memoir;
The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews: A Memoir;
There Was Night and There Was Morning: A Memoir of Trauma and Redemption
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November 14 2pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Michael Vines,
Jerold Kreisman,
Daniel Simakoff Milligan, Rabbi Yonason Goldson
Harry Gets Wise: A Novel;
Necessary Lives;
Homer Garland Phillips: His Life And Fight for a Hospital; Grappling With The Gray: An Ethical Handbook For Personal And Business Prosperity
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November 14 7:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Noah Gittell Baseball: The Movie Learn More Tickets
November 15 11am The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Andrew J. Mellen Unstuff Your Life! Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life for Good Learn More Tickets
November 16 7pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Joan Nathan My Life in Recipes: Food, Family and Memories Learn More Tickets
November 17 3:30pm The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center Jonathan Shmidt Chapman Let There Be Play: Bringing the Bible to Life with Young Children Learn More Tickets
November 17 7pm SLCL – Clark Family Branch Daniel Handler AKA Lemony Snicket And Then? And Then? What Else? Learn More Tickets

Any Book Festival receptions will be held in the J’s Staenberg Family Complex Gymnasium.

Historical Fiction Panel
Friday, November 8
1pm

Emily Matchar
In the Shadow of the Greenbrier: A Novel

Immerse yourself in Emily Matcher’s evocative family saga set in the heart of Appalachia. Through richly drawn characters and intricate storytelling, Matcher explores themes of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family, creating a narrative that resonates with emotional depth and historical authenticity.

Michael J. Cooper
Wages of Empire: A Novel

Michael J. Cooper recounts the harrowing journey of a young man navigating the tumultuous landscape of World War I and its complex origins in Ottoman Palestine. With gripping prose and vivid imagery, Cooper’s narrative sheds light on the human experiences that shaped this pivotal moment in history, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.

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A Night of Theater, Featuring Special Performances by New Jewish Theatre
Saturday, November 9
7:30pm

Eddie Shapiro
Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with More of the Great Women of Musical Theater

Celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped musical theater with renowned theater journalist Eddie Shapiro. In this engaging event, Shapiro is joined by three talented stars from New Jewish Theater’s upcoming musical, sharing performances and anecdotes that showcase the impact of female superstars in the industry. With laughter and heartfelt stories, this evening promises to be a joyous tribute to the artistry and influence of women in musical theater.

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Sunday, November 10
3pm

Ari Gold
Father Verses Sons: A Correspondence in Poems

Experience the profound connection between father and son as filmmaker Ari Gold presents a unique exploration of their relationship through poetry. In Father Versus Son, Gold corresponded with his beatnik poet father, Herb, before his passing, using verse to express love, longing, and reconciliation. Join us for a moving conversation with December Poetry Editor Scott Berzon, where poetry becomes a bridge for understanding and healing in the face of life’s complexities.

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In Remembrance of Kristallnacht
Sunday, November 10
7:30pm

Karen Kirsten
Irena’s Gift: An Epic World War II Memoir of Sisters, Secrets, And Survival

In a gripping narrative of survival and bravery, Karen Kirsten shares the incredible story of her mother, a Jewish child smuggled out of the Warsaw ghetto in a backpack during the harrowing days of Nazi-occupied Poland. Discover the hidden history of resilience and love as Kirsten reflects on the extraordinary events that shaped her family’s legacy. This poignant account not only honors the past but also serves as a testament to the power of compassion and courage in the darkest of times.

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Veterans’ Day Special Event
Monday, November 11
7:30pm

Stuart E. Eizenstat
The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements That Changed the World

Join former U.S. Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat for a captivating exploration of the art of diplomacy and the moments that changed the course of history. In The Art of Diplomacy, Eizenstat draws on his extensive experience to recount pivotal negotiations that shaped international relations. Through engaging stories and insightful analysis, he offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of diplomacy, highlighting the human connections that underpin world-changing agreements.

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Tuesday, November 12
1pm

Ilan Evyatar
Target Tehran: How Mossad Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination – and Secret Diplomacy – to Stop a Nuclear Iran and Realign the New Middle East

Discover the groundbreaking revelations of Ilan Evyatar as he unveils the critical information gathered from documents stolen from Tehran. In Target Tehran, Evyatar exposes Iran’s repeated violations of the 2015 JCPOA nuclear agreement, drawing on exclusive interviews with top intelligence sources from Israel and the United States, including the Mossad and the CIA. This compelling session promises to shed light on the intricate web of international diplomacy and security, providing essential context for current events.

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Tuesday, November 12
7:30pm

R. Derek Black
The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Supremacy to Antiracism

Join R. Derek Black, the godson of KKK Grand Wizard David Duke and the son of the creator of Stormfront, for an eye-opening account of his journey from hate to understanding. In The Klansman’s Son, Black shares their personal transformation after forming friendships with Jewish students in college that changed their perspective on race, identity, and acceptance. In conversation with Jordan Kadosh, Regional ADL Director for the Heartland Region, this powerful discussion will resonate with those interested in social justice, identity, and the path toward redemption.

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Women’s Memoir Panel
Wednesday, November 13
5pm

Sara Glass
Kissing Girls on Shabbat: A Memoir

Sara Glass recounts her heartfelt coming-of-age story within a controlling Hasidic community. This memoir reflects her courageous struggle to embrace her queer identity while navigating the complexities of family and faith. Glass’s narrative is a testament to love, acceptance, and the fight for personal truth.

Rossi
The Punk Rock Queen of the Jews: A Memoir

Experience the wild and vibrant journey of Rossi, a former punk-rocker turned Chasidic rabbi’s “cult buster.” Her rebellious spirit and fierce determination shine through in this electrifying memoir, detailing her transformation from a life of defiance to one of empowerment and purpose within the Jewish community.

Sara Sherbill
There Was Night and There Was Morning: A Memoir of Trauma and Redemption

Sara Sherbill’s searing memoir offers an unflinching look at her upbringing in an abusive rabbinical family. Through powerful storytelling, she navigates the complexities of love, trauma, and healing, ultimately finding a path to redemption. This panel promises to be a deeply moving exploration of the human experience.

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Missouri’s Own Panel
Thursday, November 14
2pm

Michael Vines
Harry Gets Wise: A Novel

Jerold Kreisman
Necessary Lives

Daniel Simakoff Milligan
Homer Garland Phillips: His Life And Fight for a Hospital

Rabbi Yonason Goldson
Grappling With The Gray: An Ethical Handbook For Personal And Business Prosperity

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Sports Night
Thursday, November 14
7:30pm

Noah Gittell
Baseball: The Movie

Step up to the plate with film critic Noah Gittel as he presents the first comprehensive overview of the baseball film genre. Through a captivating multimedia presentation, Gittel examines how baseball movies have evolved and influenced modern cinema, offering insights into the cultural significance of these films. Moderated by Post-Dispatch Sportswriter Ben Hochman, this event promises to be a home run for sports enthusiasts and film lovers alike!

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Friday, November 15
11am

Andrew J. Mellen
Unstuff Your Life! Kick the Clutter Habit and Completely Organize Your Life for Good

Meet the man hailed as “the most organized man in America,” Andrew Mellen. In this engaging session, Mellen shares his innovative techniques for decluttering and organizing your life. With practical tips and a humorous approach, he inspires participants to take control of their spaces and create a more streamlined, stress-free environment, making this workshop a practical gem for all.

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Saturday, November 16
7pm

Joan Nathan
My Life in Recipes: Food, Family and Memories

Join best-selling and award-winning cookbook author and food journalist Joan Nathan for an evening of culinary storytelling. In her new memoir, Nathan uses cherished recipes to reflect on her rich family history, cultural heritage, and the joys of cooking. Discover how food weaves together the fabric of our lives and savor the flavors of nostalgia as Nathan shares heartwarming anecdotes and culinary wisdom, inviting attendees to explore their own connections to food and memory.

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Sunday, November 17
3:30pm

Jonathan Shmidt Chapman
Let There Be Play: Bringing the Bible to Life with Young Children

Spark the imaginations of young readers with Jonathan Schmidt Chapman’s engaging approach to storytelling. This interactive session features child-friendly narratives and activities that breathe life into beloved Bible stories, encouraging creative play and exploration for families. Discover the joy of sharing these timeless tales with the next generation in a fun and meaningful way.

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Closing Night
Sunday, November 17
7pm

 Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket
And Then? And Then? What Else?

Join Daniel Handler, the enigmatic author behind the beloved Lemony Snicket series, for a captivating exploration of his literary journey. In this personal memoir and critical inquiry, Handler reflects on his creative process and the stories that shaped his career, blending humor and insight into a unique narrative. In conversation with Jessica Fischoff, Director of Literary Arts, this event promises to be both enlightening and entertaining, offering a unique look at the mind of one of today’s most intriguing authors.

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Bookend Events

Bookend event information coming soon!

For more information, contact Jessica Fischoff, Director of Literary Arts, 314-442-3294.