People of the book

Editorial

The Jewish people are well known as "the People of the Book." We have embraced the written word, from millennia-old silver engravings of the Shema to the first mishnaic texts, from Sephardic Talmudic commentaries to Eastern European responsa.

Inheritors of traditions emphasizing study and academic pursuit, we arrived on American shores and quickly transitioned from an immigrant people, barely knowing English, to fill the ranks of colleges, universities and graduate schools.

Trained with new skills and facing fresh opportunities, we subsequently expanded our literary contributions from traditional Jewish themes to contemporary subjects: history, sociology, fiction and drama.

In celebration of our literary inroads, critically acclaimed and best-selling authors will visit the Valley Oct. 30-Nov. 16 for Jewish Book Fair 2003, at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center.

Dennis Prager, talk show host, author and lecturer, will speak about his latest book, "Happiness is a Serious Problem."
Ron Ross will detail the intersection of the Jewish Mafia and the boxing world.
Arthur Magida will share the true story of a New Jersey rabbi who hired two hitmen to murder his wife.
Ed Zuckerman will share his experiences as a writer for "Miami Vice" and "Law & Order," and as co-executive producer for "JAG" and "The Agency."
Peter Horvitz will speak about Jewish athletes - from hockey to horseracing.
Abe Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, will lecture about the new anti-Semitism.
Sylvia Ross and Yaakov Peterseil, children's authors, will present their latest books at a special family day.

In addition, books by guest lecturers will be available for purchase.

With Jewish Book Fair 2003, the Valley joins the ranks of other major cities hosting book fairs, including Toronto and San Francisco.

A communitywide effort has made this possible. Joining forces with the VOSJCC are the Arizona Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League, Bureau of Jewish Education, Hadassah Valley of the Sun, six synagogues and Jewish News of Greater Phoenix.

While the book fair only lasts 18 days, our commitment to literacy can last all year long. We can watch less television and read more as individuals and families, inspired by the book fair offerings. We can look to periodic reviews of adult and children's books in Jewish News.

We can earn the title "People of the Book," by attending the book fair and by expanding our literary horizons in the months and years that follow.

For additional information about Jewish Book Fair 2003, call 480-483-7121 ext. 1206.

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