2026
Ann and Stephen Kaufman
Jewish Book & Arts Festival November 1-15, 2026
erjcchouston.org
OPENING NIGHT: SUPPORTED BY THE RELDA FINGER HOFFER ENDOWMENT FUND
RACHEL GOLDBERG-POLIN & JON POLIN When We See You Again
Sunday, November 1 | 7:00 PM Off-site location shared with ticket holders prior to event Experience an unforgettable conversation with the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who became the global face of the movement to bring the October 7 hostages home. In their deeply moving book, they share their endless journey with loss and neverending love. Lead Presenting Partner:
Presenting Partner:
In partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest
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ZIBBY OWENS
Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot Monday, November 2 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Zibby Owens, bestselling author, media entrepreneur and outspoken advocate against antisemitism, shares heartfelt essays on resilience, reinvention and the unexpected path that led her to build a thriving literary community. Honest, witty and deeply relatable, her reflections inspire hope, purpose and what’s next.
Patron Sponsors | Debbie and Rick Kaplan Barbara Winthrop and Jay Steinfeld
DAVID SHLACHTER
Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million Tuesday, November 3 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Celebrate Israel through a breathtaking blend of photography and storytelling. In Hinenu, David Shlachter captures Israel through the lives of 100 people at the exact moment the nation reached a population of 10 million, revealing its resilience, diversity and enduring spirit.
Underwritten by The Maurice Amado Foundation Patron Sponsors | Lauren and Jeremy Blachman
Teen Night
Wednesday, November 4 | 7:00 PM Merfish Teen Center Exclusively for teens grades 8-12
2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
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SPECIAL NU READS EVENT Nu Reads is a bi-monthly book subscription series curated by Jewish Book Council that uplifts Jewish writers.
RON SEGAL Delicate
Wednesday, November 4 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Presented with the Jewish Book Council Join Israeli novelist and filmmaker Ron Segal for a preview of his forthcoming novel and animated film, a moving story of memory, love, loss and survival. Through conflicting recollections of a remarkable woman’s life, the novel explores the fragile boundaries between truth, imagination and remembrance.
Patron Sponsor | Cyvia Wolff
BOOK LOVERS LUNCH
ANNABELLE GURWITCH
The End of My Life is Killing Me: The Unexpected Joys of a Cancer Slacker Thursday, November 5 | Congregation Beth Yeshurun Doors Open: 11:30 AM | Program Begins: 12:00 PM Join us for lunch with friends and this incredible memoir. Lunch and the book are included with your ticket. Author and actor Annabelle Gurwitch brings her signature wit to a deeply personal reflection on mortality after an unexpected Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. With sharp insights, she offers a candid and surprisingly uplifting look at facing life’s uncertainties with honesty, resilience and humor. Advanced registration required by October 26.
Patron Sponsor | Joyce Cramer
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2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
JEFFREY SELLER
Theater Kid: A Broadway Memoir Saturday, November 7 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Emerging from a turbulent childhood to producing Broadway sensations like Hamilton and Rent, Seller’s inspiring memoir reveals how grit, passion and embracing his identity led him to redefine Broadway and inspire generations of theater lovers.
Patron Sponsor | Bunny Radoff
BRUNCH & CONVERSATION
REBEKAH LOWIN
A Year of Jewish Joy: Inspired Recipes, Rituals, and Traditions for Beautiful Celebrations Sunday, November 8 | 11:00 AM Herzstein Multi-Purpose Room at the J Program includes brunch inspired by recipes from A Year of Jewish Joy, challah styling demonstration and author conversation. Often dubbed the “Jewish Martha Stewart,” Rebekah Lowin shares an inspiring guide to Jewish entertaining that goes far beyond a cookbook. Filled with delicious recipes and creative hosting ideas, her guide offers everything you need to make gatherings and holiday celebrations memorable throughout the year. Advanced registration required by November 2. Supported by the Rosita and Albert Gaon Sephardic Heritage Program Endowment Fund Patron Sponsors | Debbie and Stuart Diamond
2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
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Oliver Lapin Family Day Sunday, November 8 | 3:30 PM Merfish Teen Center
Blast Off Into Stories & Song! Endowed in loving memory of Oliver Lapin by his family
JOANIE LEEDS TRIO Grammy Award-winning artist Joanie Leeds is a nationally recognized leader in children’s music, known for her acclaimed albums and engaging live performances. Her upbeat songs celebrate kindness, confidence and community, inviting kids and families to sing, move and connect together.
RACHELLE BURK Space Torah: Astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman’s Cosmic Mitzvah Blast off with Rachelle Burk’s inspiring picture book biography of astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman, the first person to carry a Torah into space. Discover how he celebrated his Jewish heritage among the stars and even spun a dreidel in orbit!
Great for older Children!
LIN OLIVER The After-School Kindness Crew: Pooch on the Loose #1 The After-School Kindness Crew: Slam Dunk Day #2 Meet a group of kids who discover that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference! Filled with fun, friendship and heart, Lin Oliver’s uplifting story will inspire young readers to spread kindness wherever they go.
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2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
REBECCA BLUMENSTEIN The Last Free Women: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan and Coming of Age in America Sunday, November 8 | 1:00 PM | Temple Sinai Sunday, November 8 | 7:00 PM | Kaplan Theatre When four young Afghan women are forced to flee the lives they once knew, they embark on an extraordinary journey from Afghanistan to Houston. Through stories of courage, resilience and hope, this powerful book explores what it means to rebuild, find belonging and embrace hard-won freedom.
Supported by the Diane Danburg Statham Endowment Fund Patron Sponsors | Barbara and Mark Paull
ADENA BERNSTEIN Stolen Legacies: The Fight for Nazi-Looted Art Monday, November 9 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Uncovering the hidden world of art looted during the Nazi era, Bernstein’s compelling book traces the ongoing struggle to recover stolen masterpieces. It sheds light on restitution battles and the conflicts among heirs, museums and governments over ownership and justice.
Patron Sponsors | Sherry and Gerald Merfish
2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
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LOCAL LITERATI Tuesday, November 10 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Discover the stories behind the stories as Houstonbased authors discuss their newest books, the inspiration that brought them to life and the journeys that shaped them. Cap off the evening by meeting the authors and having your books personally signed. Featured authors include: Dr. Gerald Blumenthal Philip Boehm Dr. Craig Considine Cindy Dawson Natalya Glass Dr. Stephen Guss Dr. Milton Klein Joan Teter Linares
Dr. Asher Lubotzsky Saralyn Richard Leslie R. Schover Ruth E. Stitt Dr. Caryn M. Tamber-Rosenau Dr. Diane Wintz
COMMUNITY READ We invite book clubs and individual readers to unite in a shared literary experience.
SHARON KURTZMAN The Lost Baker of Vienna: A Novel Wednesday, November 11 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre When a long-forgotten clue resurfaces, a family sets out to uncover a hidden past. Inspired by the author’s own history, this compelling novel explores the Jewish post-World War II experience through a moving blend of mystery, resilience, loss, survival and hope.
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2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
DONNA FRANKOFF MEMORIAL LECTURE
RABBI SHIRA STUTMAN The Jewish Way to a Good Life: Find Happiness, Build Community, and Embrace Lovingkindness Thursday, November 12 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre What can Jewish culture teach us about love, justice and living a meaningful life? In this refreshing Jewish selfhelp guide, Rabbi Stutman uncovers timeless wisdom and everyday practices that have sustained the Jewish people for generations and can enrich anyone’s life.
Patron Sponsors | Michelle and Ron Moses
FILM
DUST BOWLS AND JEWISH SOULS: Another Side Of Woody Guthrie Directed by Steven Pressman Documentary | 89 minutes | English Friday, November 13 | 1:00 PM Kaplan Theatre Explore the little-known Jewish influences behind American folk icon Woody Guthrie. Through family connections, New York’s vibrant Jewish cultural life and Yiddish traditions, this film reveals how diverse communities helped shape the voice, values and music of one of America’s most celebrated songwriters.
2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
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THEATRE
ON BEING JEWISH NOW Saturday, November 14 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Experience On Being Jewish Now in a powerful live stage adaptation of the bestselling book of essays by the same name. Through an intimate ensemble performance, encounter moving stories of Jewish identity, resilience, hope and joy in a world transformed after October 7.
Patron Sponsors | Susan Rosenbaum and Eric Schoen
MARILYN HASSID EMERGING AUTHOR
SAM SUSSMAN Boy from the North Country: A Novel Sunday, November 15 | 1:00 PM Joe Frank Theatre Sussman’s poignant debut novel is a moving portrait of a devoted son caring for his ailing mother while unraveling long-buried family secrets. At its heart is an unforgettable story of love, identity, loss and the bonds that shape us.
Reception following program sponsored by Marilyn Levitch Hassid. Patron Sponsor | Maida Asofsky
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2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival
ART
ANNA ABRAMZON Shehecheyanu: Jewish Identity, Connection and Hope after October 7 On display in the Edith and Robert Zinn Art Gallery October 28 - December 14
OPENING NIGHT When We See You Again Sunday, November 1 | 7:00 PM Between Chapters Monday, November 2 | 7:30 PM Hinenu Tuesday, November 3 | 7:30 PM TEEN NIGHT Hinenu Wednesday, November 4 | 7:00 PM SPECIAL NU READS EVENT Delicate Wednesday, November 4 | 7:30 PM
Inspired by her return to Israel after October 7, artist Anna Abramzon explores Jewish grief, love, tradition, and togetherness. Through expressionist paintings and modern Judaica, Shehecheyanu reflects shared pain, enduring connection, and the beauty and resilience of Jewish life today.
Theater Kid Saturday, November 7 | 7:30 PM
Hamsa Workshop Sunday, November 15 | 3:30 PM
BRUNCH & CONVERSATION A Year of Jewish Joy Sunday, November 8 | 11:00 AM
Led by artist Anna Abramzon, create a meaningful mixed-media Hamsa inspired by your family story using a family heirloom.
The Last Free Women Sunday, November 8 | 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM
BOOK LOVERS LUNCH The End of My Life is Killing Me Thursday, November 5 | 12:00 PM
OLIVER LAPIN FAMILY DAY Joanie Leeds Trio Space Torah The After-School Kindness Crew Sunday, November 8 | 3:30 PM
CLOSING NIGHT
Stolen Legacies Monday, November 9 | 7:30 PM
MERRYL GOLDBERG
LOCAL LITERATI Tuesday, November 10 | 7:30 PM
Notes of Deception: How a Quartet of American Musicians Outwitted the KGB Sunday, November 15 | 7:30 PM Kaplan Theatre Experience the true story of four Jewish American musicians who journeyed to the Soviet Union, using klezmer music to connect with refuseniks under KGB surveillance. A compelling tale of courage, cultural resistance and the enduring power of music to inspire hope and freedom.
COMMUNITY READ The Lost Baker of Vienna Wednesday, November 11 | 7:30 PM The Jewish Way to a Good Life Thursday, November 12 | 7:30 PM FILM Dust Bowls and Jewish Souls Friday, November 13 | 1:00 PM THEATRE On Being Jewish Now Saturday, November 14 | 7:30 PM Boy From the North Country Sunday, November 15 | 1:00 PM ART Hamsa Workshop Sunday, November 15 | 3:30 PM
Patron Sponsors | Karol and Daniel Musher
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.
CLOSING NIGHT Notes of Deception Sunday, November 15 | 7:30 PM
erjcchouston.org
Use the QR code for more information on programs and to purchase tickets and subscriptions.
chaired by Michelle Moses with vice-chair Susan Rosenbaum.
2026 Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival is
*The Bookstore will close at 4:00 PM on November 1 and will not be open on November 5 or 6.
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM*
Saturday: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM*
Monday - Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM*
Visit the Susan and Jack Lapin Bookstore at the J throughout the Festival! Shop featured author books, children’s books, cookbooks, new and notable titles and gifts!
Susan and Jack Lapin Bookstore
Questions? Email mbell@erjcchouston.org or call 713-729-3200.
Select programs are available for online viewing with a ticket purchase.
Premium ticket purchases include a book.
Subscription options include a Full Festival subscription or a Pick 3 option.
Tickets
5601 S. Braeswood | Houston, TX 77096–3907 713.729.3200 | erjcchouston.org
EVELYN RUBENSTEIN JCC HOUSTON
Non–Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6217 Houston, Texas
The Ann and Stephen Kaufman Jewish Book & Arts Festival Endowment Fund
The Maurice Amado Foundation
Evelyn Rubenstein JCC Patrons of the Arts
Festival Funders & Supporters