National Jewish Book Month celebrated in Tidewater

IT’S A WRAP

Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival celebrates National Jewish Book Month

Each year, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival celebrates National Jewish Book Month by inviting prominent and emerging authors to share their latest books and projects with the Tidewater community.

Over the past month, the Jewish Book Festival stayed true to form, offering something for everyone. For lovers of non-fiction and crime thrillers, Tracy Walder, author of The Unexpected Spy, chronicled her time in the CIA and then the FBI working in counterintelligence. Her powerful story was especially motivating for young women who are considering a career in this male-dominated field.

Then, author of X Troop: The Secret Jewish Commandos of World War II, Leah Garrett, told of a remarkable group of Jewish refugees who waged war on Hitler.

Robert Lefkowitz, a Nobel Prizewinning scientist, ignited passion and curiosity when sharing about his memoir A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm.

Finally, appealing especially to those who love a good beach read, Elyssa Friedland joined the community to discuss her recent book, Last Summer at the Golden Hotel.

Visit JewishVA.org/BookFest for more information on upcoming events as Tidewater enjoys author visits all year long.

Mark Robbins Photography

Rabbi Israel Zoberman with author Leah Garrett. David Brand and Tracy Walder. Elyssa Friedland and Alicia Friedman. Tracy Walder signs a book for Molly Mancoll.

Elyssa Friedland author of The Last Summer at the Golden Hotel and Alicia Friedman. Janet Mercadante and Tracy Walder, author of The Unexpected Spy.

Karen and Avraham Ashkenazi enjoyed the conversation with author Leah Garrett. Leah Garrett, author of X Troop, signs books for Annabel Sacks and Skip Sacks. Elyssa Friedland signs a copy of her book for Beth Scharlop.

Wendy Auerbach and X Troop author Leah Garrett. Robert Lefkowitz, author of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Stockholm shares stories from his journey.