On display in the Edith and Robert Zinn Art Gallery
November 1-December 9, 2024
Hebrew manuscript artist Debra Band’s unique art exhibit features illuminated texts on Ecclesiastes chosen from Qohelet:
Searching for a Life Worth Living, which she co-created with Menachem Fisch. In this exhibit, Band portrays Qohelet’s teachings utilizing imagery, symbolism and poetry.
Community Read
Marilyn Hassid Emerging Author
MAYA ARAD
The Hebrew Teacher: Three Novellas
Tuesday, October 29 | Kaplan Theatre
Reception: 6:30 PM | Author Event: 7:30 PM
Community Read is a book club for the entire community. We invite book clubs and individual readers to unite in a shared literary experience.
An Israeli-born author of 11 Hebrew fiction novels, Maya Arad’s latest work weaves together three novellas, each telling the story of an Israeli woman whose life has been altered by immigration to the United States.
Supported by the Rosita and Albert Gaon Sephardic Heritage Program Endowment Fund
Patron Sponsors | Marilyn Hassid and Marc Gessner
Barbara and Mark Paull
OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY
Endowed in loving memory of Oliver Lapin by his family Sunday, November 3 | Merfish Teen Center | 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
RYAN LAVARNWAY, LORI DUBBIN & SARA ACKERMAN
Join our featured authors at either 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM as we explore a collection of stories that teaches children how determination, kindness, and teamwork can change the world. Through these stories, kids are inspired to embrace who they are and always help others along the way. For children ages 0-10 and their families
RYAN LAVARNWAY
Baseball and Belonging
Sometimes it can take years to discover where you belong. That was the case for Major League Baseball player Ryan Lavarnway… until one call changed his life. While playing for Israel in the World Baseball Classic, he found something much more important than bats and balls.
DONNA FRANKOFF MEMORIAL LECTURE
Lori Dubbin
Perfect Match: The Story of Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton
When Althea Gibson and Angela Buxton found themselves barred from tennis courts because one was Black and the other was Jewish, they knew there was only one way to fight this battle: together. Readers will cheer for these inspiring women in a story of courage, empowerment and success.
SARA HOLLY ACKERMAN
Challah for Shabbat Tonight
Mix, knead, rise, braid, rise, bake! While reading Sarah Holly Ackerman’s rhyming text and enjoying Alona Millgram’s whimsical art, children will go on an adventure as they follow a young girl and her grandmother making challah for Shabbat. Don’t forget to let the dough rise twice!
DANIEL SCHULMAN
The Money Kings: The Epic Story of the Jewish Immigrants who Transformed Wall Street and Shaped Modern America
Sunday, November 3 | 3:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Uncover the gripping tales of Jewish financiers who shaped modern finance in Daniel Schulman’s riveting new book. Dive into the ambitions, rivalries and cultural influences that defined these powerful figures and their lasting impact on global economics.
Patron Sponsors | Christine and Mark Laskin
Gloria and Joe Pryzant
Cyvia Wolff
OPENING NIGHT: SUPPORTED BY THE RELDA FINGER HOFFER ENDOWMENT FUND
NOA TISHBY
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew
Sunday, November 3 | 7:00 PM
Congregation Beth Israel
Presented by the Evelyn Rubenstein JCC, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Congregation Beth Israel, Congregation Beth Yeshurun, and Congregation Emanu El.
Noa Tishby is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism and Delegitimization and has been a leader in pro-Israel activism for over a decade. In her latest work, she and the former professional football player and sports analyst Emmanuel Acho delve into what it means to be Jewish today.
Ann and Stephen Kaufman
MICAH SIVA
Nosh: Plant Forward Recipes Celebrating Modern Jewish Cuisine
Sunday, November 3 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Hands-On Class
Cramer-Jacobs Family Culinary Studio
Monday, November 4 | 7:30 PM
Author Talk & Demo | Kaplan Theatre
Join celebrated chef and culinary influencer Micah Siva on a flavorful culinary journey through the rich tapestry of modern Jewish cuisine, where plantforward recipes blend tradition with contemporary innovation, inviting you to explore the vibrant flavors of Jewish heritage.
Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Foundation
Patron Sponsors | Leah Stolar and Bruce Kessler
ROBERT STEINFELD
3…2…1…We’re on the Air: An Inside Look at Sports Television, Journalism, and Gender Equality
Wednesday, November 6 | 7:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Emmy Award-winning producer Robert Steinfeld takes readers along with him on his path from an ambitious, young, teenage journalist to the producer of some of the biggest sporting events on national television. If you love sports, you will love reading his stories!
Patron Sponsors | Debbie and Stuart Diamond
Karen and Buster Freedman
Barbara Winthrop and Jay Steinfeld
BOOK LOVERS LUNCH
SAMANTHA GREENE WOODRUFF
The Trade Off: A Novel
Thursday, November 7 | Merfish Teen Center Doors Open: 11:30 | Program Begins: 12:00 PM
Join us for lunch with friends and this incredible novel. Lunch and the book are included with your ticket.
Dive into Samantha Greene Woodruff’s spellbinding world, where secrets lurk beneath every perfect surface. In a town where appearances are everything, one woman’s desperate gamble for the truth threatens to unravel the carefully constructed lives of those around her.
Patron Sponsor | Joyce Cramer
MITCH ALBOM
The Little Liar: A Novel
Saturday, November 9 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre
Best-selling author Mitch Albom returns with his latest novel—a powerful story of hope and forgiveness that takes readers from the coast of Greece in WWII to California during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Patron Sponsors | Lauren and Jeremy Blachman Roslyn Haikin
GRADES 4-6 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PROGRAM
ALEX SCHUMACHER
The Effects of Pickled Herring: A Graphic Novel
Sunday, November 10 | 10:00 AM
Congregation Emanu El
Alex Schumacher weaves humor and heart in this coming-of-age graphic novel that explores selfworth, family relationships and universal questions. Middle grade readers and beyond will easily relate to the characters and revel in the story and its vibrant art.
ABIGAIL POGREBIN & RABBI DOV LINZER
It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses Sunday, November 10 | 1:30 PM | Temple Sinai Sunday, November 10 | 4:00 PM | The J
Looking to explore Torah in an accessible way? Orthodox Rabbi Dov Linzer and Reform journalist Abigail Pogrebin co-created this special project, born out of a podcast in which the two debated with humor, emotion and personal revelation.
Patron Sponsors | Maida Asofsky
Nancy and Steve Lerner
Bobbi Samuels
JASON BELL
Cracking the Nazi Code: The Untold Story of Agent A12 and the Solving of the Holocaust Code
Sunday, November 10 | 7:00 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Uncover the gripping, untold true story of a hidden hero whose extraordinary codebreaking skills helped reveal the darkest secrets of the Holocaust. Discover how this highly intelligent spy was able to change the course of history and very possibly prevent the Nazis from winning the war.
Patron Sponsors | Karol and Daniel Musher
FILM
How to Come Alive with Norman Mailer
Monday, November 11 | 7:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Explore the life of one of America’s most controversial and prolific authors of the 20th century: Norman Mailer. With never-before-seen footage, this film gives viewers a front-row seat to the author’s genius and the inner workings of his mind.
Patron Sponsors | Debbie and Rick Kaplan
LOCAL LITERATI
Featuring: Patricia Bernstein
The Tale of the Three Amigos
Tuesday, November 12 | 7:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Join us as we hear from Houston authors about their most recent writing endeavors followed by a book signing. We will feature keynote speaker Patricia Bernstein and her book, The Tale of the Three Amigos, about Houston’s group of multi-faith leaders, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph A. Fiorenza, Reverend William A. “Bill” Lawson and Rabbi Emeritus Samuel E. Karff, who stood side by side to fight for social justice. Local Literati featured authors include: Rebecca Crowley, Rivka Fishman, Joshua GottliebMiller, Leah Lax, Gabrielle Nidus and Dov Preminger.
LEE YARON
10/7: 100 Human Stories
Wednesday, November 13 | 7:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Discover the deeply personal and poignant narratives of 100 individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered on October 7, 2023. Lee Yaron’s powerful new book captures raw emotion and resilience, offering a window into this shared human experience.
Patron Sponsors | Mitzi Shure and Jerry Wische
R. DEREK BLACK
The Klansman’s Son: My Journey from White Nationalism to Antiracism: A Memoir
Thursday, November 14 | 7:30 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Step into the gripping memoir of R. Derek Black as they navigate a tumultuous journey from the heart of white supremacy to an awakening of empathy and personal redemption, challenging deep-seated beliefs and confronting the complexities of identity.
Patron Sponsors | Eve and Bobby Lapin
Elise Sheppard
TEEN NIGHT
Wednesday, November 13 | 7:00 PM
Holocaust Museum Houston Exclusively for teens grades 8-12
CLOSING NIGHT
LARRY TYE
The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America
Saturday, November 16 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre
Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie all overcame racism and violence to go on and become some of the most popular entertainers on the planet. Larry Tye masterfully reflects on their lives off the bandstand and explores the Black-Jewish alliance of the time.
Patron Sponsors | Vicky and Michael Richker
Tickets!
Use the QR code for more information on programs and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
Subscription options include a Full Festival subscription or an option for three programs.
Premium ticket purchases include a book.
Select programs are available for online viewing with a ticket purchase.
Questions? Email mcardona@erjcchouston.org or call 713-729-3200
Jack Lapin Bookstore!
Visit the Jack Lapin Bookstore at the J throughout the Festival or purchase an author book at an off-site event.
Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
2024 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival is co-chaired by Jeryl Golub and Christine Laskin with vice-chair Vicki Teller.
View your Book Festival schedule on the go with this bookmark!
Simply tear it out, take notes and insert it into your bag or book.
Join us for these upcoming author events after Book Festival!
MARINA GERNER
The Vagina Business
Wednesday, January 29 | 7:30 PM
Rice University
Patron Sponsors | Maxine and Steven Goodman
Sherry and Gerald Merfish
JULIE SATOW
When Women Ran Fifth Avenue Thursday, February 6 | 1:00 PM
Kaplan Theatre
Patron Sponsors | Melissa Zarikian and Joe Epstein
