Are you one who plans ahead?

By Gayle Dorio, Jewish Book Festival Chair

Do you know that the publication deadline for the Federation Star is always months ahead? I’m writing this in October and planning what to say about December, the month we celebrate Chanukah, among other things. If you plan ahead, why not purchase some Jewish Book Festival books as presents?

Kindle users know that it is a simple matter to order a “sample” of a book, read the pages offered and then decide whether or not you wish to purchase and read the whole book. Just like in a bookstore! Open up the book, shuffle here and there and get a taste! Sit at Barnes & Noble bookstore and have a cup of coffee as you relax in one of the comfy chairs. Or order the book from Amazon and have it delivered before you can turn around! This year, there are a number of books you will be glad to give as a gift or maybe even keep for yourself!

Some people are planners, and some are definitely not. None of us planned to have Hurricane Ian come through on Sept. 28th and disrupt our lives — even though an amusing cartoon says, “preparing for a hurricane is a bit like being stalked by a turtle!” What a mess! What a tragedy for so many. We certainly pray that you have come through this and have managed to put things back together. At least, we pray that things are moving in the right direction.

Giving support to those who have been so terribly impacted by the hurricane has been uppermost in people’s minds and pocketbooks. Generous donations have been made and our community has stepped up. That is the kind of community we are!

Preview event recording online

We had hoped to present the Jewish Book Festival Preview event on Sept. 29, but Hurricane Ian prevented that. Iris Shur and Steve Yussen worked hard to put together a very entertaining program. Almost half the JBF committee participated, too. Their efforts were not for naught – the Preview event was subsequently recorded and then posted on the website. If you haven’t done so already, check it out at www.jewishbookfestival.org.

The Preview Event kicks off the festival and, after hearing about the books and authors and reading about all of it in the Federation Star (isn’t the pull-out section in the October issue terrific?), we see lots of community support and lots of people signing up to be patrons. We hope you will remember the book festival and become patrons this year as well. Thank you in advance!

We are so fortunate to have the world of books open to us. I am always pleased to hear friends discussing what they are currently reading — there always seems to be an interesting new book. We also have excellent libraries that offer so much! Books on tape, large print, etc. And what can be better than having authors appear before us to discuss their books?

For the past seven years, we have been treated to an assortment of authors who spend time with us, weaving their stories as if spinning straw into gold. This year, the same continues. Every year, the authors’ credentials are impressive, and they do a fine job of enlightening us as they explain their subject matter. This, the 8th annual Jewish Book Festival of Greater Naples, sponsored by Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, presents 16 authors at 14 events!

Amazing committee makes it happen

Thank you to Federation, as well as all our sponsors and patrons for their support! And thank you to the amazing JBF committee who does so much! Reneé Bialek is the program director managing everything! Carole Greene writes the book reviews in the newspaper and the “blurbs” explaining the books for us. And there are so many others who diligently work and always answer “Yes” when asked to help. It’s because of each of them and each of you that we are able to offer a worthwhile book festival. I hope you appreciate and enjoy the offerings!

It’s rewarding to be a member of the JBF committee. Yes, there is a great deal of work involved presenting the festival. But it truly is a labor of love. In addition to reading and reviewing lots of books, committee members help solicit sponsors; act as publicity voices; help select music, food, venues; etc. They help with the in-person events, checking people in, greeting them, showing them to their seats, selling books and answering questions.

Introductions and monitoring the Q&A are responsibilities that fall to committee members and other interested parties. Some are “author champions” making sure their chosen author is well cared for and serving as the liaison for all things regarding the author. One distinct advantage committee members share is the ability to get to know the authors on a more personal level, some of whom have even stayed in touch with their author champions!

December events

November began with three events. This month, we present two events. First, Eleanor Reissa will tell us about her book, “The Letters Project, A Daughter’s Journey.” Did you know she was nominated for a Tony award, is a singer, playwright, choreographer and director in addition to being an author? She also performs in Yiddish! She will be here, in person, at Beth Tikvah on Dec. 5! Beth Tikvah is both hosting and sponsoring this event. Ginsberg Eye Ophthalmology is also a sponsor.

Ten days later, on Dec. 15, we will enjoy Jen Spyra, a former writer for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and The Onion. Jen combines her literary background, MFA in playwriting and screenwriting with quirky humor as she spends time telling us different stories. Jen’s book is titled “Big Time Stories.” This event is sponsored by Jewish National Fund-USA.

January events

In January, we feature three events. Cathy Barrow will be here at Temple Shalom on Jan. 4 to discuss her book, “Bagels, Shmears and a Nice Piece of Fish.” Did I mention we will have a brunch to go along with Cathy Barrow’s visit?!

Then it’s Isabel Vincent on Jan. 12, “Overture of Hope,” followed by Eileen Kathy Pollack on Jan. 20, “Maybe It’s Me.”

I sincerely hope you will join us for each event. Remember, if you sign up to be a patron, you don’t have to worry about tickets! And, there are other advantages. Sign up on the website or email Reneé if you wish … we’d love to have you. See you soon!

As my friend Gloriana the Great is fond of saying, “Please tell everyone you know about the Jewish Book Festival … tell all your friends … tell people you do not even know, people you do not even like!”