2025 – 26 Jewish Book Festival Will Kick Off on December 1

By Robin Mintz, Greater Naples Jewish Book Festival Chair

We are excited to bring you the 2025-26 Jewish Book Festival!

This year, we have invited a variety of outstanding authors, representing a mixture of genres. Whether you are an avid reader or just enjoy a fascinating speaker, this year’s Jewish Book Festival provides something for everyone. From December through April, the Jewish Book Festival, brought to you by the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples in cooperation with the Jewish Book Council, will continue to be a key contributor to the cultural life of our community.

The Festival would not be possible without our Patrons, Sponsors and, of course, you – the community members who attend these events. Your generosity and overwhelming support are a testament to our amazing community — a community that understands the value of cultural arts. Each of this season’s events will not only feature a nationally renowned author and a moderator chosen from our local community but will also provide an occasion to socialize and enjoy a little nosh.

Back by popular demand, we are thrilled to welcome once again acclaimed author Mitch Albom for our opening night at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2025. He will be discussing his new book, Twice, which is set to be released on October 7. Albom's engaging storytelling and powerful themes have made him a favorite, and we can't wait to hear about his latest work. Platinum Patrons will be invited to an exclusive pre-event reception with Mitch Albom, sponsored by Ginsberg Eye.

As a special incentive exclusively for those who become a Patron of the Jewish Book Festival, we're offering a unique virtual event — a special Zoom book and author talk on November 18 at 1 p.m., as part of Jewish Book Month. We're proud to partner with the Jewish Book Council to bring you this event, which features Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in New York City and author of Heart of a Stranger, in conversation with author Abigail Pogrebin.

Please consider continuing your support by becoming a Patron for this year's Festival. Several of last year’s events sold out, and as a Patron, you will be guaranteed a seat for each event.

For questions or general information, please contact Reneé Bialek at rbialek@jewishnaples.org or visit JewishBookFestival.org.