Messages to your Book Festival Co-Chairs

With the Jewish Book Festival successfully underway, we can now admit we were rather nervous when the Book Festival launched in December. While we were optimistic that it would go well, we were a bit concerned about how you would respond to a virtual Festival. With a sigh of relief, we are delighted to report that we have received an outpouring of complimentary emails. So, this month, rather than writing a message to you, we thought that we would share some of the messages from you!

“WOW! What a wonderful start to our Jewish Book Festival. Last night was amazing and having it on a webinar was great. It all seemed perfect.” ~B.

“Great job tonight! We’re finding ways to make exciting events occur virtually.” ~L.

“The program was wonderful! I learned so much about Charles Schultz, the story concepts and the characters I read during my life. Can’t wait for the next event!” ~M.

“Really enjoyed tonight’s event. The two speakers were great storytellers! Nice choice of them for the Book Festival. Still can’t get past Lucy holding the football!” ~A.

“Today’s JBF event with Nessa and Elayne is among the best I’ve seen.” ~D.

“This morning’s program was outstanding. I am not surprised.” ~J.

“Found a parking place, a good seat and even a bit of a morning hors d’oeuvre. Great service, these Jewish Book Festival presentations!” ~M.

“I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Lew Paper’s presentation. I am reading the latest biography of Eleanor Roosevelt and this added some depth to my reading.” ~D.

“I thought today’s event with Lew Paper was extremely interesting and very well done. My favorite so far.” ~I.

“I really enjoyed Rabbi Corinne’s presentation. Definitely an inspiration to not let yourself get old before your time. She sure is a spunky young 85!” ~L.

“Once again, great book discussion! Our family participated in a Passover Seder aboard a cruise ship. Brought back memories.” ~T.

“Debbie Cenziper was excellent! She had an extremely polished presentation, and the format was great. Extremely tough subject matter, but it was the best one so far.” ~A.

“Another tremendous book discussion. Looks like the Jewish Book Festival is batting 1,000!” ~S.

“Yesterday’s Book Festival talk was the best! Debbie Cenziper was such a wonderful speaker, her book sounded so interesting and readable, and I can’t wait to receive my copy so that I can read it.” ~ N.

“The Book Festival has been phenomenal! Each book and each author has been exceptional. Your committee has done an extraordinary job in selecting the books and their authors. I’m grateful for the experiences and education that the Book Festival has offered me.” ~L.

Here is our favorite comment. It is probably the highest compliment an attendee could pay to an author presenting virtually: “Today was so great that I didn’t even knit during the program! Debbie Cenziper was a fabulous speaker and the story was very interesting.” ~F.

We were also pleased to hear from some of the authors: “It was my pleasure to join you, at long last! It was very apparent how much work and thought and planning went into this virtual festival, and you all did such an amazing job, making it feel as close to inperson as possible.” ~Lori Gottlieb, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

“This whole experience — and the dedicated people involved — has been a lovely one for me, and one that I will treasure.

You have no idea how much more well organized you are than other online events! Both your clear communication (and) the technical assistance reduced any anxieties I may have felt.” ~ Elayne Klasson, Love Is a Rebellious Bird

“I enjoyed this afternoon and am happy to work with you again on future events. Everything was so well organized...very impressive group.” ~Debbie Cenziper, Citizen 865: Hunt for Hitler’s Soldiers

We are gratified that the 2020-21 Jewish Book eFestival is being so well received, but it would not be as successful without the support from our Patrons, Sponsors, Book Festival Committee and the Federation, with a special shoutout to Program Director Reneé Bialek. The Book Festival certainly is a team effort — and we definitely have an A-Team!

There are more Book Festival events throughout February and March. Check pages 18 of this issue.

We are Virtually Yours,

Susan & Robin

Susan Pittelman and Robin Mintz Volunteer Co-Chairs, Greater Naples

Jewish Book Festival