Press Release

Media Contact: John Bourget
phone: 860.231.6350
email: jbourget@mandelljcc.org

THE NEW JEWISH BOOK FESTIVAL
Four Seasons of Literary Excellence

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WHAT IT IS:
The New Jewish Book Festival: Four Seasons of Literary Excellence
A new year-round series which celebrates nationally renowned Jewish authors and their remarkable contributions to culture. The NEW format features four signature events throughout the year with preview programs highlighting the theme of each. All events will feature book signings and receptions.

REMAINING SIGNATURE EVENT SCHEDULE:
Speakers include:
Jodi Picoult: Thursday, January 31 7:30 pm
Sheldon Patinkin and Jewsical! The Musical- a Second City Production:
Saturday, March 8, 2008 8:00 pm
Ambassador Dennis Ross: Thursday, May 15, 2008 7:30 pm

SURROUND PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE FOR JODI PICOULT EVENT:
There will be related events surrounding this author. All events take place at The Mandell JCC, 335 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, unless otherwise noted. Please contact the JCC Registrar at 860-236-4571 for tickets and information, or visit www.mandelljcc.org.

Being a Teen in the 21st Century: An Interactive panel and discussion with area experts and authors of Come Back: A Mother and Daughter's Journey through Hell and Back, Mia and Claire Fontaine.

Thursday, January 17, 7:30 pm. Fee: $7.00

Book Review and Discussion: Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Reviewed by Naomi Neuwirth
Tuesday, January 22, 7:00 pm. FREE.
In this emotionally charged novel, Jodi Picoult delves beneath the surface of a small town to explore what it means to be different in our society.

Reading on the Road - Bagels and Grits: A Jew on the Bayou by Jennifer Anne Moses
Sunday, January 27, 2008
9:30 - 11:00 am - Farmington Valley Jewish Congregation - Emek Shalom, 55 Bushy Hill Road, Simsbury
2:00 - 3:30 pm - Temple Beth Sholom, 400 East Middle Turnpike, Manchester
5:00 - 6:30 pm - Temple Beth Hillel, 20 Baker Lane, South Windsor
Fee: $7.00.

In an absorbing memoir, Moses describes her disorienting move from Washington, D.C., to Baton Rouge, a city home to a paltry 220 or so Jewish families. Moses, who had a strong Jewish identity but little connection to religious practice, found herself grappling with her new home in the Bible Belt. Moses' move to Baton Rouge, coupled with her mother's deteriorating health, prompted her to study Hebrew and celebrate her bat mitzvah, which she had not had as a girl. Moses has a vivid sense of humor and never takes herself too seriously. After finishing this book, readers may wish they could sit down over a bagel and grits to visit with her.

TICKET PURCHASES:

Series subscriptions are available for $100 and include admission, reserved seating at all four events and book signings. Individual tickets to events are also available for $30 each adults/$20 students.