Festival of Books celebrates Jewish Book Month

VICKI CABOT
Contributing Editor

Book it.

Now.

That's the word from organizers of this year's Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Jewish Book and Cultural Arts Fair, A Festival of Books, set for Nov. 1-14 at the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus.

In its fifth year, the event will be bigger and better than ever, say organizers, so reserve your tickets now for the premier events.

"Last year was a turning point for us," says Sandy Adler who has chaired the annual book bonanza since its inception in 2001. "And we are hoping that the growth from last year will carry over to this year's fair."

More than 800 people attended.

In 2005, the event was expanded from a book fair, one of many around the country planned to mark Jewish Book Month in November, to a cultural arts festival. Added was an art show and sale by Michael Hittleman Gallery of Fine Israeli Art in Los Angeles as well as a movie night and several themed programs. This year, Hittleman will be back, Nov. 1-6; the movie "Crossfire," a 1949 black-and-white classic about anti-Semitism, will be screened followed by a discussion 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12; and themed events have been expanded. Moshe Waldoks will headline "Comedy Night at the J," 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, in celebration of the reissue of his book, "The Big Book of Jewish Humor," along with local comedian Buddy Stein; last year's wildly successful "Girls Night In ... Martinis & Chocolates," co-sponsored this year with Hadassah, is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8; a family event with Jewish rockers Shlock Rock, in conjunction with the VOSJCC's Youth Services Department, is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5; and "A Taste of Book Fair," with authors Ayelet Waldman ("Love and Other Impossible Pursuits") and Iris Krasnow ("I Am My Mother's Daughter: Making Peace with Mom - Before It's Too Late"), is set for 11:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 3.

New this year are opportunities to help underwrite the fair, beginning at a $180 Literary Circle level and up. Supporters will be invited to a cocktail party with "Sweet and Low" author Rich Cohen before the event as well as receiving complimentary tickets, priority seating and other benefits depending on the sponsorship category.

Underwriting will help make the fair more affordable and accessible to a greater segment of the community.

"We want more people to come," says Adler, "and to keep the fair going."

Details

What: Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center Jewish Book and Cultural Arts Fair
When: Nov. 1-15
Where: Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale
Cost: Fees $5-$25 for VOSJCC members, $10-$35 for nonmembers, depending on event
Call: Suzanne Swift, 480-483-7121, ext. 1205, for reservations