United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival 2019-2020
All events are open to the community with RSVP or tickets required and unless noted, will take place at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach. For more information about the Festival, to sponsor, or volunteer, contact Patty Shelanski at 757.452.3184 or Pshelanski@ujft.org.
THURSDAY, May 14 | 7:30 PM
DARE TO MATTER: YOUR PATH TO MAKING A DIFFERENCE NOW
With Hip Rabbi Jennifer Krause and Visionary Optometrist Jordan Kassalow
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It’s not every day a female rabbi gets a chance to collaborate on a ‘big idea’ book project with her optometrist.
VisionSpring Founder and “NY’s Hippest Rabbi” bring their complementary ideas and perspectives to a modern template for living in service to others and making a real difference, without losing sight of personal, family, and financial commitments.
In the book’s Forward, Warby Parker, co-CEO and co-founder Neil Blumenthal, refers to Kassalow as his boss, mentor, and friend, and writes about the many ways his work has been inspired by Kassalow.
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund’s Tidewater Together series in partnership with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Society of Professionals.
THURSDAY, June 4 | 7:30 PM
BLOOD, SWEAT AND MY ROCK N’ ROLL YEARS
With Rock Musician Steve Katz
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LIVE Concert with music icon, Steve Katz
$18 or Free with gift to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2019-2020 Annual Campaign.
Ever wonder how it feels to be a Jewish rock star?
UJFT’s Year End Event and concert with Music Icon Steve Katz!
The founding member of Blood, Sweat and Tears, and music producer who worked with rock renegade Lou Reed, Katz writes openly about being a Jewish ‘rock star’ and the 60s and 70s music scene.
Previous Events
THE NEWISH JEWISH ENCYCLOPEDIA
THE 100 MOST JEWISH FOODS – A HIGHLY DEBATABLE LIST
Unorthodox LIVE! – POSTPONED – New Date Coming Soon!
Due to the dynamic and challenging situation around the novel coronavirus, and following conversations with our special guests concerning travel, we are postponing this event. New dates are in the works and will be announced shortly! If you are interested in this event, you can still reserve your spot by clicking the button below. We will email you with the link to purchase your tickets as soon as the new date has been decided!
Event details: Join a live taping of Tablet magazine’s leading international podcast, Unorthodox, with discussions about Jewish news, politics, and so much more, hosted by Mark Oppenheimer (Tablet editor-at-large/LA Times columnist/former NY Times columnist), Stephanie Butnick (deputy editor), and Liel Leibovitz (senior writer). With special guest, Alana Newhouse, Editor-in-Chief Tablet magazine and author of The 100 MostJewish Foods: A Highly Delectable List.
Click here to reserve your spot on the waitlist!
THURSDAY, February 6 | 12:00 PM – Leon Family Gallery Opening & Discussion with the Author
Renegade Women in Film and TV
With Film Critic and Journalist Elizabeth Weitzman
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In Renegade Women in Film and TV, Elizabeth Weitzman does more than honor remarkable women in film and television. With charming illustrations and a storytelling twist, she brings icons and overlooked pioneers to life, and shows what it really means to be a renegade in the business.
The book features recognizable faces and names such as Amy Poehler, Oprah, Ellen, Shonda Rhimes and Nora Ephron, among others.
Expect Weitzman to surprise and enlighten you with truths about a brilliant cast of women who chose to rock their industry with bold moves, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Illustrations on exhibit in the Simon family JCC’s Leon Family Gallery throughout January and February, leading up to the 27th annual Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, which begins on February 20, 2020.
MONDAY, January 27 | 7:30 PM
WITNESS: LESSONS FROM ELIE WIESEL’S CLASSROOM
With Author, Artist, and Teacher Ariel Burger
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Elie Wiesel was a master of thought, words, and deeds in equal measure. His powerful presence inspired lifelong student, rabbi, and artist Ariel Burger to apply those teachings to urgent questions of the day.
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund’s Tidewater Together series in partnership with the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission, in honor of international Holocaust Remembrance Day.
THURSDAY, January 16 | 12:00 PM
WHAT TO EAT WHEN: A STRATEGIC PLAN TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH & LIFE THROUGH FOOD
With Chief Wellness Officer Michael Roizen
SOLD OUT
LIVE STREAM: Catch a live stream of the event on the UJFT Facebook page at 12 PM, Thursday.
Michael Roizen will empower you, A NEW VERSION OF YOU, to make food the best weapon to live better, longer. Whether its eating meals that help you look and feel younger, or snacks that prevent disease, there’s a science governing the wisdom behind these choices.
Dr. Michael Roizen is the chief wellness officer at the Cleveland Clinic. He is the co-author of five New York Times bestsellers, including You: The Owners Manual.
In partnership with Simon Family JCC’s JFit, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Society of Professionals, and Jewish Family Service of Tidewater.
WEDNESDAY, January 8, 2020 | 7:30 PM
UNLOCKING GREATNESS
With Investor, Speaker, and CEO Charlie Harary
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Author, attorney, and CEO, Charlie Harary presents a unique combination of science, self, emotion, spirituality, and practical tools to manifest greatness.
Harary doesn’t believe that MIT grads working in Silicon Valley or entrepreneurs are the only people born to innovate. ‘Everyday innovator’ reflects Harary’s belief that anyone can innovate—they just need a few tools and tips.
Harary is a best-selling author and is regarded internationally for his charismatic and forward-thinking lectures, seminars, and keynotes.
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund’s Tidewater Together series in partnership with the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Society of Professionals.
MONDAY, December 16 | 12:00 PM
THE FACE TELLS THE SECRET: A NOVEL
With Author and Creative Writing Professor Jane Bernstein
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$12 lunch/$21 lunch and book. Bundled registration for lunch and signed book closes December 9.
Navigating challenging relationships is at the heart of The Face Tells The Secret. How does compassion for others co-exist with self-love?
Love comes at a high price for Roxanne, a single 40-year-old product designer who lives in Pittsburgh and is estranged from her family in Tel Aviv. The cost of a meaningful relationship that has long eluded her means facing her past, and acknowledging ways she’s been shaped by it.
Jane Bernstein is also an essayist, a lapsed screenwriter, and a member of the Creative Writing program at Carnegie Mellon University.
GOODNIGHT BUBBALA
GINA FROM SIBERIA
GITTEL’S JOURNEY: AN ELLIS ISLAND STORY
SUNDAY, December 15 | 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
LATKEPALOOZA! One Happy Camper Camp Extravaganza, PJ Library celebrate Hanukkah
With Children's Book Authors Sheryl Haft, Jane Bernstein, and Leslea Newman
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Sheryl Haft pours her infectious affection for Yiddish and Jewish culture into her new picture book Goodnight Bubbala.
This zesty parody is full of love, kvelling, and of course, noshing. Treat yourself and your kids to this festive mix of music, puppets, storytelling and latkes.
Jane Bernstein is an award-winning author and professor at Carnegie Mellon University. She co-wrote Gina from Siberia with her daughter Charlotte Glynn.
Based on the true story of Jewish immigrants, determined not to leave their beloved dog behind, Victor becomes a ‘rescue’ dog who finds Gina the terrier, and gives her a new leash on life.
Gina from Siberia is a timely story about immigration, acceptance and upheaval, the value of connection, and the process of finding a home in a very different place.
Lesléa Newman is the author of the groundbreaking story Heather Has Two Mommies. Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story is based on a pivotal time in her life.
Gittel’s Journey is about a small girl, a big ship and a huge country, and a nine-year-old starting life over in a strange place, completely alone.
Monday, December 9 | 7:30 PM
SHADOW STRIKE: INSIDE ISRAEL’S SECRET MISSION TO ELIMINATE SYRIAN NUCLEAR POWER
With Israel Today expert & Editor-In-Chief of the Jerusalem Post Yaakov Katz
As part of Israel Today
Click here to RSVP
Shadow Strike tells, for the first time, the story of the espionage, political courage, military might and psychological warfare behind Israel’s daring operation to stop one of the greatest known acts of nuclear proliferation.
Before he took on the role of editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, Yaakov Katz spent two years as a senior policy advisor to Israel’s Minister of Economy and Minister of Diaspora Affairs.
In conjunction with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and community partners’ Israel Today series. Learn more about Israel Today at JewishVa.org/IsraelToday.
SUNDAY, December 8 | 9:30 AM Brunch and 10:00 AM Community Program
HERE ALL ALONG: A REINTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM
With Speechwriter and Author Sarah Hurwitz
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Michelle Obama’s former speechwriter, Sarah Hurwitz, was born Jewish, but wasn’t sold on Judaism’s place in her life until recently. It took a bad break up to create the opening for exploration that lead to a profound spiritual journey. Stepping outside the synagogue, Hurwitz rediscovers her long-lost connection to Judaism in the place where Jewish law co-exists with everyday questions like how to feed your animals or start a business.
Hurwitz encourages us to experience our own rediscovery as she helps us answer the essential question: Why Does Judaism Matter?
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund’s Tidewater Together series.
WEDNESDAY, December 4 | 7:30 PM
A FIELD GUIDE TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE
With Comedy Legends Dave Barry, Adam Mansbach, Alan Zweibel
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$18 admission; $40 admission and book. Special bundle of admission and signed book closes November 27. Limited seating. Advance tickets strongly suggested.
Almost nothing is off limits when an original Saturday Night Live writer, author of New York Times bestseller, Go the F**K to Sleep, and the inspiration for Dave’s World, take one stage.
Sarcasm, self-deprecation, paranoia, wisdom, and culture have never clashed so delectably.
Alan Zweibel, Adam Mansbach, and Dave Barry will rekindle your love of Jewish culture and fill your cup with new things to worry about.
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund’s Tidewater Together series.
MONDAY, November 18 | 7:30 PM
THE CAST: A NOVEL
With Award-Winning Writer and Reporter Amy Blumenfeld
A Community Book Club Read
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Amy Blumenfeld brings to life alternating perspectives of five characters, with an eye on authenticity and the role that the passing of time plays in shaping our friendships and ourselves in The Cast.
Blumenfeld is an award-winning writer and national reporter whose work is published in the New York Times, O, the Oprah Magazine, Hadassah and People, among others. She is also a recipient of the James A. Wechsler Award for National Reporting.
Register your Book Club for a special meet and greet with author, reserved seats, and more.
Contact Patty Shelanski at pshelanski@ujft.org.
In partnership with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Cabinet and Young Adult Division.
SUNDAY, November 17 | 1:00 PM
Tidewater Reads: Local Authors Present
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Lisa Barr, Outsmart your Pain
Alan Bartel, Family, Faith and Love: Beyond Immigration
Abbot Granoff, Crowns of Gold
Michael Weissman, Therapy According to God
TUESDAY, November 12 | 7:30 PM
HACKING DARWIN: GENETIC ENGINEERING AND THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY
With Technology Futurist and Author Jamie Metzl
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A leading geopolitical expert and technology futurist, Jamie Metzl shares a groundbreaking exploration of the many ways genetic engineering is shaking the core foundations of our lives–sex, war, love, and death.
Open to discussion (and up for debate) is that slippery slope between breathtaking advances in human well-being and the descent into a potentially deadly genetic arms race and Dystopian society.
WEDNESDAY, November 6 | 7:30 PM
CHUTZPAH: WHY ISRAEL IS A HUB OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
With Israel Today expert and Serial Entrepreneur Inbal Arieli
As part of Israel Today
Click here to RSVP
A former officer in the Israeli defense forces Elite Intelligence Unit 8200, Inbal Arieli is the keeper and teller of secrets about Israel’s rise to dominance. A tiny country with the highest concentration of start-ups per capita worldwide, Israel boasts a significant number of entrepreneurs.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is compelling, counter-intuitive, and points to reframing the concept of rule-breaking chutzpah.
In conjunction with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, including UJFT’s Society of Professionals. Learn more about Israel Today at JewishVA.org/Israel Today.
SUNDAY, November 3 | 1:00 PM – Teens Talk Civil Rights with Christopher Noxon & Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities
GOOD TROUBLE: LESSONS FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS PLAYBOOK
With Author, Illustrator, & Journalist Christopher Noxon
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Join Christopher Noxon and fellow teens and discover a helpful antidote to all the pessimism and name-calling that is permeating today’s political and social dialogues. Revisit episodes from the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ’60s as they highlight the essential lessons that modern-day activists and the civically minded can extract and embrace in order to move forward and create change. Lunch included! FREE and open to all community teens, with RSVP required.
MONDAY, November 4 | 6:00 PM – Leon Family Gallery Opening & Discussion with the Author
GOOD TROUBLE: LESSONS FROM THE CIVIL RIGHTS PLAYBOOK
With Author, Illustrator, & Journalist Christopher Noxon
Click here to RSVP
Christopher Noxon’s vivid pen and watercolor drawings provide a moral imagination map for activists and communities seeking inspiration and guidance. Expect some pre-election day thoughts when Noxon speaks about the importance of confrontation, joy, and faith.
This event marks Noxon’s first gallery-style exhibition where he will display illustrations from Good Trouble, as well as feature art created expressly to reflect Tidewater’s and Virginia’s Civil Rights history. A journalist, illustrator and civil rights champion, Christopher Noxon’s work appears in the New Yorker, the Atlantic, Salon and the New York Times.
Book proceeds are donated to The Center for Popular Democracy, a nonprofit advocacy group devoted to racial justice, health care, and poverty issues.
Proceeds from the sale of art will benefit Simon Family JCC’s Arts + Ideas Department and The Center for Popular Democracy.
THURSDAY, September 26 | 7:30 PM
BUCHAREST DIARY: ROMANIA’S JOURNEY FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
Author: Alfred H. Moses
As part of IGNITE2020! (Formerly Campaign Kickoff)
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The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival is held in coordination with the Jewish Book Council, the only organization in the organized American Jewish community whose sole purpose is the promotion of Jewish books.