Adults

Author Events

Our book talks showcase leading authors and popular personalities. Attendees have the opportunity to hear, meet and discuss ideas with best-selling authors. Each event is a unique and memorable experience.

We are presenting both in-person events in our theatre, and remote programs, some in partnership with other JCC's. This year's lineup is particularly strong. Be inspired and entertained.

Smiling Mature Woman in Formal wear Holding a Book

“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.”

Anna Quindlen in How Reading Changed My Life

In the Garden of the Righteous: The Heroes Who Risked Their Lives to Save Jews During the Holocaust with author Richard Hurowitz

Amid the darkness of the Holocaust, there were glimmers of light. Richard Hurowitz, entrepreneur, and author of In the Garden of the Righteous, will discuss the extraordinary acts of individuals who acted courageously at a time when the moral choices were stark, the threat immense, and the passive apathy of millions predominated. *  This talk will be moderated by Professor Thorin Tritter.
Thursday, October 12  10:45am  (can be purchased on its own or as part of JCC U day)

Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, part of the Jewish Lives series with author Jeremy Dauber

From Catskills comic to one of the few to have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards, Mel Brooks dominated 20th century American comedy. Columbia professor and author of Mel Brooks: Disobedient Jew, Jeremy Dauber will share how the director of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein morphed from being solely for niche audiences into an essential part of the mainstream. *
Thursday, October 12 12:45pm  (can be purchased on its own or as part of JCC U day)

Justice on Screen: Films with Riveting Courtroom Scenes
with Max Alvarez

Film historian Max Alvarez returns to JCC U to take us on a cinematic journey through courtroom dramas. Real life social justice issues, like slavery and discrimination, war crimes, Holocaust revisionism, environmental corruption, and international political justice are brought to life on screen. We will explore the different ways movies have portrayed the litigation of these important subjects.
Thursday, November 9 10:45am
Note: this program is a replacement for Andrew Meier’s talk on the Morgenthaus.

Murderabilia: A History of Crime in 100 Objects
with author Harold Schechter

Step into the world of true crime with Harold Schechter, the renowned master of the genre. He will share his new book Murderabilia: A History of Crime in 100 Objects. Schechter explains the dark fascination of true crime fans while presenting a historical timeline of how and why we continue to be captivated by the most sensational crimes and killers among us.  
Thursday, November 9 12:45am  (can be purchased on its own or as part of JCC U day)

We Need to Talk About Antisemitism
with author Diana Fersko

As we all know, antisemitism is on the rise in America, both subtly and overtly. It is critical that we understand modern antisemitism and learn the right tools to combat it. Rabbi Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi at the Village Temple in Greenwich Village, and she will share the guidance she gives her congregants, and anyone interested in social justice. Rabbi Fersko brings a fresh perspective – she is not your grandfather’s rabbi. *
Thursday, November 16 11:00am 

Honest Aging: An Insider’s Guide to the Second Half of Life
with author Rosanne Leipzig

As we all know, antisemitism is on the rise in America, both subtly and overtly. It is critical that we understand modern antisemitism and learn the right tools to combat it. Rabbi Diana Fersko is the Senior Rabbi at the Village Temple in Greenwich Village, and she will share the guidance she gives her congregants, and anyone interested in social justice. Rabbi Fersko brings a fresh perspective – she is not your grandfather’s rabbi. *
Monday, 12/4, 11:00 am, Free and Open to the Community

All author events include book sales and author signing