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Book Festival to Honor Israel’s 60th Birthday

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By FJN Admin

The 27th Annual Alper JCC Jewish Book Festival will celebrate Israel’s 60th through writers that explore Jewish life, religion and political thought. The Festival begins on Thursday, Oct. 18th with historian Michael Oren, the acclaimed author of Six Days of War, a former advisor to Yitzhak Rabin and an officer and liaison in the Israeli army since emigrating there in 1979. In his latest book, Power, Faith and Fantasy, Oren presents a comprehensive history of America’s involvement in the Middle East from George Washington to George W. Bush, and helps us gain a deeper understanding of our relationship with the peoples of this region. Ambassador Dennis Ross, the US chief Middle East peace negotiator during the George H. W. Bush and Clinton administrations, tackles the question of diplomacy in his newest book called Statecraft. As a skilled diplomat Ross concludes that with globalization, fluid borders, terrorist networks, and violent unrest, the art of statecraft and negotiations are essential simply to keep the peace in the twenty-first century.

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Marcy Leavitt, Director of Literary and Performing Arts at the Alper JCC has put together a lineup of noted statesmen presenting thought provoking issues; talented writers in the field of entertainment, who use their wit and humor to help us laugh out loud with them and at ourselves; and emerging literary figures who provide insight through their journeys both physical and spiritual. All of these writings are captured in memoirs, novels and books of non-fiction, in passionate essays and poignant photographs.

Offering a lighter perspective, best-selling author Judith Viorst brings us new stories about her mischievous son Alexander, who is now all grown up with children of his own. In her book, Alexander and the Wonderful, Marvelous, Excellent, Terrific Ninety Days Viorst uses her characteristic sparkle and wit to describe what life was like when Alexander and his entire family stayed with her and her husband for ninety days, while his house was being renovated. The laughs continue with Phil Rosenthal, creator and executive producer of the smash-hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Rosenthal is hilarious as he describes "phoney baloney Hollywood," the art of comedy and the making of a sitcom classic. Judy Gold and Kate Moira Ryan will highlight the Women’s Day Luncheon. Gold, a stand-up comic and two-time Emmy Award winning actress, and award-winning playwright Ryan, gathered stories from Jewish mothers on love, marriage, and life to create the critically acclaimed Off Broadway hit show, 25 Questions For A Jewish Mother. Their success continues in a new book by the same name that is filled with anecdotes that are poignant, entertaining and heart-warming.

The Jewish Book Festival continues through November 13th, with a variety of authors speaking on subjects such as Israel’s newly elected President Shimon Peres, stories about the legendary Bowery Boys, travel adventures in Jordan, and highly acclaimed debut novels. Presentations are scheduled at the Alper JCC, synagogues throughout Pinecrest and Kendall and at the Miller Center on the UM Campus.

For a complete brochure with a listing of all authors call 305-271-9000 ext. 268 or visit: http://www.alperjcc.org.


Posted by FJN Admin on 09/26 at 04:20 PM • Hits: 108



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