JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL WITH ACCLAIMED AUTHORS CONTINUES THROUGH EARLY DECEMBER

Jewish Book Festival Press Release 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Marilyn Weintraub <mweintraub@jewishsgpv.org>

JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL WITH ACCLAIMED AUTHORS CONTINUES THROUGH EARLY DECEMBER

A musicologist, a Mah Jongg maven, a former Chasid and a rock star are among the fascinating authors who are featured at the Jewish Federation’s 17th Annual Jewish Book Festival, that run through early December 2015, at synagogues and other venues in the greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.

All the events are open to the general public; most are free of charge; and a few require reservations.

Next in the line-up of Book Festival events is a panel of five local mystery writers who will share their thoughts on November 1 at Temple Sinai of Glendale. Participants are Ellen Byron (author of a Cajun mystery); Susan Goldstein (author of a Hollywood and Beverly Hills mystery); Laurie Stevens (author of a psychological thriller); James Ziskin (author of the popular Ellie Stone mysteries), and Jeri Westerson (author of medieval mysteries.)

For people who enjoy historical novels, Chicago, and/or jazz, the November 4 event at Monrovia Library Community Room, will feature Mary Morris discussing her novel The Jazz Palace. It tells the story of two Jewish families in the turbulent Chicago of the 1920s.

On November 8, at the University of LaVerne, musicologist James Grymes will discuss Violins of Hope: Violins of the Holocaust – Instruments of Hope and Liberation in Mankind’s Darkest Hour. It’s the story of Israeli violinmaker Amnon Weinstein who restores Holocaust instruments. Following the event, there will be a performance with LA Philharmonic violinist Vejay Gupta and pianist Grace Zia Zhao in the Morgan Auditorium. The talk is free; for the concert afterward, a ticket is needed, for a suggested donation of $10.

Mah Jongg addicts won’t want to miss the November 12 tea at the Chado Tea Room in Pasadena, where art historian Ann Israel will discuss Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game. The book examines the history of this exotic game, as well as the beauty of the tiles. There is a charge of $30, and spaces are limited so paid advance reservations are required.

Dancer. Choreographer. Director. Bob Fosse was a complicated, brilliant man who influenced generations of performing artists with his iconic style - hat tilted, fingers splayed. On November 14, at Temple Beth Israel in Pomona, showbiz author Sam Wasson will share his biography Fosse. There will also be a performance of Fosse music featuring All That Jazz, and a desert reception. There is a $18-$20 ticket charge.

Art stolen by the Nazis has been in the headlines with the release of the movie The Woman in Gold. It’s also because of Simon Goodman’s new book, The Orpheus Clock: The Search for My Family’s Art Treasures Stolen by the Nazis. On November 15 at Temple Sholom Ontario, Goodman will talk about how his family’s art was absconded by top Nazis. A Londoner now living in Los Angeles, Goodman continues to search for his family’s treasures.

On November 19, at Temple Ami Shalom, Tess Gerritsen will discuss Playing with Fire: A Novel . It’s about a violinist who discovers an obscure piece of music in an antique shop, which unleashes terrible secrets. Gerritsen, an accomplished musician, is best known for her Rizzoli & Isles novels which inspired the TNT television series.

Do you know a youngster who’s crazy about American Girl dolls? They’ll want to attend the November 22 Dessert Tea at the L.A. County Arboretum’s Peacock Cafe, where author Jacqueline Greene will discuss the story behind the Rebecca books. Greene will explain how she selected doll Rebecca’s Russian-Jewish immigrant heritage. She is the author of 34 books for young readers. The event is suitable for ages 7 through adult. The charge is $20 for children, $22 for adults. Paid reservations are required by November 12.

Bestselling writer Shulem Deen, author of All Who Go Do Not Return: A Memoir, will speak on December 1 at the Monrovia Library Community Room. Born into an insular Hasidic sect, Deen married at 18, fathered five children, and then one day, dared to turn on the radio – which led him to the library, and then the Internet. His faith unravelled. Deen has been called “the poet laureate of ex-chasidism. “ Space is limited for this event and reservations are suggested.

Finally, an evening of story and song is in store for December 5 at the Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, with Steve Katz, author of Blood, Sweat, and My Rock ‘n’ Roll Years: Is Steve Katz a Rock Star? It’s the unlikely story of a nice Jewish boy who got to sit at the cool kid’s table. Katz is a founding member of the legendary Blues Project, and the group Blood, Sweat & Tears. He played Woodstock, jammed with Jimi Hendrix and went on to be a top music producer. Make a reservation, or purchase tickets at the door. Tickets are $18 in advance and $20 for adults.

All the books will be available at all the events for purchase and signing. The full calendar of events can be downloaded at www.jewishsgpv.org. For information, ticket reservations, or to request a brochure, call the Jewish Federation at 626-445-0810 or send an e-mail to federation@jewishsgpv.org. Reservations can also be made on line at jewishsgpv.org/event-tickets