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Federation Star
JEWISH FEDERATION
November 2021
Presents, who doesn’t like presents? Expectations for the Jewish Book Festival By Gayle Dorio, 2021-22 Jewish Book Festival chair
A
nd so, it begins! Last month, I heard from many people that the pullout section detailing the Jewish Book Festival was colorful, informative and exciting. This month, in addition to colorful news about the JBF, a bookmark is included! Presents! They just keep coming! In fact, each event cellphones! I couldn’t phone, FaceTime should feel like a gift, one we know or Zoom to see him and reassure myself you’ll enjoy. that all was well. The only comfort I had Did you realize that we have contribwas prayer! uted to Zoom’s increase?! If you search Now, we have advanced technology — “how many people use Zoom,” you will our watches can practically give us massee the following: sages along with multiple other functions. “Counting both free and paying Imagine how difficult staying connected users, Zoom has 300 million daily meetto our loved ones would have been if the ing participants. That’s an increase of pandemic had happened 30 years ago! 2900% since December 31, 2019, when Through the magic of Zoom, and 10 million daily meeting participants livestreaming, we are able to relax in our logged on.” homes and be entertained. What a blessWe are fortunate, indeed, ing. I’m so grateful for techto be able to use this technolnology, for the talented people ogy. 2900% is the kind of who have worked together to number, like 3 trillion, that bring you this Jewish Book we can’t even imagine. Festival, and for each of you I remember when my who support us! Thank you! son was backpacking across Europe. I was nervous not So, here it is, knowing where he was or how November he was doing. It was back in We have three JBF events 1994, before everyone had this month on Zoom. Our Gayle Dorio
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opening event with Heather Cabot is sure to start the season off in an intriguing way — let’s talk about medical marijuana! This book, “The New Chardonnay,” is more than facts and scientific information. It’s story-like, filled with business acumen and political insights. Be sure to tune in later in the month to enjoy “Can Robots be Jewish?” The author, Amy Schwartz, asked questions of many different rabbis on intriguing subjects. Rabbi Ariel Boxman of Temple Shalom will be in conversation with the author, diving into the various questions. Our third event in November is with Jennifer Rosner and her debut novel, “The Yellow Bird Sings.” We believe we have a varied assortment of subject matter to interest you.
A peek at December Three events are scheduled in December, the first two on Zoom. We begin Dec. 2 with Judy Batalion, author of “The Light of Days.” Look for the detailed book review written by our own Carole Greene on page 1A of this issue. On Dec. 10, we will see Lauren Fox on Zoom, speaking about her book, “Send For Me.” Our event on Dec. 17 is planned to be our first in-person event. We will offer livestreaming during the in-person events, so hopefully, we will be able to gather together and offer you the ability to stay at home and “tune in” if that is more comfortable. We thought that by Dec. 17, most would be happy to gather together for some laughs and Annabelle Gurwitch with her book, “You’re Leaving When? Adventures in Downward Mobility.” It is sure to provide lots of fun. We will be keeping an eye on COVID19 and hope that it will be possible to gather together. Of course, we will be
flexible and adapt to conditions, so no worries. My expectations for this book festival are sky high! The authors are engaging; the books are well written; the technology exists to enhance the experience; sponsors and patrons have contributed kindly; and all we need is everyone pulling together to stay well, healthy, happy and wise. Not too much to expect, right? My husband, wise man that he is, often reminds me: Age gracefully, lower your expectations and you won’t be disappointed, and remember gratitude. I am an optimist. We can do this. We will have a super book festival and I am eternally grateful. See you at the events!
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