The Mandell JCC Jewish Book Festival

Purchase tickets: www.mandelljcc.org/tix |  Purchase books: www.riverbendbookshop.com
 
Debbie Mehlman and Jodie Sadowsky, Co-Chairs

For questions, contact Leslie Sax, Chief Program Officer, lsax@mandelljcc.org, 860-231-6455

 

All Book Festival Pass

Enjoy access to 10 events during the 2025–26 season of our Book Festival - $72

Please note: This pass is valid for all events except Jan 10, 2026. Perfect for book lovers who want flexibility and savings while exploring a rich lineup of author talks, panels, and more!

 


     

Sat. Jan 10, 7:00pm | $12
Carole King: 
She Made the Earth Move
Jane Eisner

Jane Eisner is a journalist and educator. A former Editor-in-Chief at The Forward, Eisner was the first woman editor of The Argus at Wesleyan University.

In this book, she explores the life of Carole King—Brill Building songwriter, Grammy-winning artist, and political activist. From her Jewish Brooklyn roots to Tapestry and Beautiful: The Musical, this biography traces King’s musical genius, personal struggles, and enduring influence on American pop culture.

Tue. Jan 27, 6:30pm | $15

Gursha: Timeless Recipes from Ethiopia, Israel, Harlem and Beyond
Beejhy Barhany

Beejhy Barhany in conversation with Jared Cohen, owner of Le Mazet in West Hartford

Beejhy Barhany is a cultural and community icon. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Israel, and currently living in New York City, she is the owner of Tsion Café, a renowned Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant in New York City’s Harlem.
In Gursha, she shares over 100 vibrant, healthy recipes celebrating the cuisine of Ethiopian Jews as well as her own journeys. Gursha blends personal narrative with rich cultural history, tracing Barhany’s journey from Ethiopia to Harlem and highlighting the flavors, traditions, and resilience of the Beta Israel community.

Sun. Feb 8, 12:00pm | Free | Virtual 

Songs for the Broken Hearted: 
A Novel
Ayelet Tsbari

Ayelet Tsabari in conversation with Shanti Finney-Krigel, Mental Health Counselor

In this powerful novel debut, a young Yemeni Israeli woman uncovers her mother’s secret romance, setting off a journey through lost family stories. Spanning generations, the novel reveals love, identity, and the enduring bond between mother and daughter.

“A richly layered tale of family, love and identity.” -Hadassah Magazine

     

Tue. Mar 24, 7:00pm | $12
Millennial Menopause: 
Preparing for Perimenopause, Menopause and Life’s Next Period
Lauren A. Tetenbaum

A smart, honest, and empowering guide to navigating menopause for a new generation. With expert advice, real stories, and practical tips, this book helps millennial women face hormonal changes, mental health shifts, and more—with confidence, humor, and empowerment.

Lauren A. Tetenbaum (AKA “The CounseLaur”) is a millennial mother of two, a social worker specializing in supporting women through life transitions, and a former lawyer passionate about advocating for women.

Sun. Apr 19, 2:00pm | Free
Broken Chocolate
Rachel Miranda

Broken Chocolate is Rachel Miranda’s stirring and suspenseful debut novel about a brain injury expert whose daughter suddenly becomes his patient. As fifteen-year-old Zoey lies in a coma, her close-knit family navigates complicated grief, ethical dilemmas, and an uncertain future, even as they discover how fiercely hope and connection endure. Inspired by the author’s decade of managing a brain trauma clinic, Broken Chocolate moves us to consider what defines a meaningful life, when to honor old dreams, and when it’s time to build new ones. 

Thu. Apr 23, 7:00pm | $12
Alive and Beating
Rebecca Wolf

Inspired by a true story, this powerful debut follows six people from diverse backgrounds and neighborhoods throughout Jerusalem - Jewish, Muslim, and Christian—brought together by the need for organ transplants, on the day their lives will be forever changed. As ancient divisions give way to shared humanity, Alive and Beating explores renewal, connection, and the hope that transcends faith, politics, and circumstance.

“A hopeful moving novel based on a true event.” -Independent Book review

     
   

Wed. May 6, 7:00pm | $12
Such Good People
Amy Blumenfeld

When a long-buried past resurfaces, April must choose between the life she’s built and the man who once saved it. Spanning decades, this gripping novel explores justice, loyalty, and the ripple effects of one fateful night. A powerful story of love, sacrifice, and second chances.

“Such Good People is a captivating portrait of blurred lines, divided loyalties, and what it means to love purely, steadfastly, and interminably.” -Good Reads

   
    
 
 
 
 
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