2009 Jewish Book Fair Events

In 1940, Hans and Margret Rey had to flee their home as the German army advanced. They began their journey to freedom on bicycles, pedaling to southern France with their children's book manuscripts among their few possessions. One of these manuscripts went on to become Curious George, the tale of that inquisitive monkey who is one of the most enduring characters in children's literature. The Reys' story is now told in dramatic detail in "The Journey That Saved Curious George."

Co-sponsored by the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education

Acclaimed artist Elaine Gordon, the main character in Gloria Goldreich's latest novel, can't believe her loving husband is gone. After a lifetime spent utterly devoted to her soul mate and their marriage, Elaine now faces widowhood and all the decisions that come with it, not the least of which is what to do with her now-empty family home. As she grieves she chooses to visit each of her four adult children in hopes of figuring out how to live the rest of her life.

Sponsored by Martha, Boo & Lorraine Gershun in honor of their mother, Gloria Gershun on her birthday. 

President Bill Clinton describes Eboo Patel's book as "a beautifully written story of discovery and hope." The book is Patel's remarkable account of coming of age and coming to understand what led him toward religious pluralism rather than hatred. His story is a hopeful and moving testament to the power and passion of young people, and to the notion that we find the fulfillment of our identities in the work we do in the world.

Youth at the Crossroads: Interfaith Cooperation or Conflict

"My Jesus Year" is the true-life story of a rabbi's son who spent 52 Sundays church-hopping across the Bible Belt - from a Pentecostal tent revival to the mass crowds at a megachurch. Hoping to find the cure to his spiritual apathy, Benyamin Cohen went knocking door-to-door with Mormon missionaries, attended a Christian wrestling event, and even celebrated Easter atop a Confederate memorial. At the end of the year, the strangest thing happened - he became a better Jew.

Brunch 9:30 am/Program 10:15 - 11:30 am
Reservations required (click here for the form) by Nov. 6
$12 per person

Martin Fletcher has covered every event of consequence in the Middle East and Africa for the last 30 years. He has received four Emmys, is currently the NBC News bureau chief in Tel Aviv and he reports about the Israel-Palestinian conflict from Gaza. He worked his way from news agency cameraman to top network correspondent, facing down his own fears while facing up to mass killers, warlords and murderers. These extraordinary, real-life adventure stories, told with humor and elegance, describe his growth from clueless adventurer to grizzled veteran of the world's trouble spots.

Books for the Planet is a non-profit organization that collects and recycles used books in order to create libraries overseas and for domestic educational and literacy programs. Books will be collected at The Center on November 18. 

The third and final book in the series "Rashi's Daughters," these historical novels are set in the household of the great medieval Jewish scholar whose daughters studied Talmud in a time when these sacred texts were forbidden to women. The dramatic final book features Rachel, the youngest and by far the most beautiful daughter. As she did so effectively in "Joheved" and "Miriam," Maggie Anton vividly brings to life the world of 11th-century France and a remarkable Jewish woman of dignity, passion, beauty and strength.

Co-Sponsored by Kehilath Israel Synagogue

In his new book, Ed Kritzler unlocks an unknown chapter in Jewish history -- the Iberian Jews who escaped the fires of the Inquisition in the 17th century and conspired with Holland and England to seize a New World colony. Filled with high-sea adventures-including encounters with legendary pirates- "Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean" deals with the history of Sephardic Jews in the early New World who overcame the horrors of the Inquisition and through guile, bravery and intrigue persevered to gain the rights Jews in the Western world enjoy today.