MJCCA Book Festival Opens with Strong Lineup

Although the schedule for the Book Festival of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) was finalized months ago, when it opened with a preview event on Saturday, Oct. 11, it was as if the featured speaker’s story had been ripped from that day’s headlines. The author was Eli Sharabi, and his book, simply titled, “Hostage,” is the heartbreaking story of his year-and-a-half as a captive of Hamas in Gaza.

The book, which has been one of Israel’s biggest best sellers this year, tells the story of how Sharabi who was abducted from Kibbutz Be’eri on Oct. 7, 2023, survived for a year-and-a-half.

His sold-out appearance, coming as it did, just two days before the release of the remaining hostages, was yet another example of how the festival, which is now in its 34th year, has become a showcase event for the community. “Hostage” is just one of several books about Israel that are highlighting this year’s festival. According to Festival Director Pam Morton, that’s intentional.

“Israel has always been a huge topic for us, for all of our author events,” Morton says, “especially after Oct. 7, we felt the importance to really highlight Israel. Talk about Israel, keep Israel top of mind in the community.”

Later this month, on Oct. 28, Yaakov Katz, former editor of the Jerusalem Post, discusses a question that is likely to get more attention as the war in Gaza winds down, “While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised The Most Powerful Military in the Middle East.”

As the festival nears its end, an outspoken supporter of recent Israeli government policy discusses Israel and the future course of world order. On Nov. 15, he’ll discuss with Greg Bluestein of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution his “On Democracy and Death Cults,” which seeks to put Israel’s campaign against Arab terror in a historical context.

Bluestein is also interviewing another timely visitor to the festival, New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, who, as the Democratic party’s leader in the Senate, has been at the hot center of negotiations to reopen the U.S. government. The title of his book is the pressing topic of “Antisemitism In America – A Warning.” He was originally scheduled at the MJCCA earlier in the year but had to postpone his trip.

Three other authors explore contemporary Jewish life as well. On Nov. 5, Jewish studies professor Shari Rabin, discusses, “The Jewish South: An American History,” and that evening, former White House speech writer Sarah Hurwitz talks about, “As A Jew: Reclaiming Our Story From Those Who Blame, Shame and Try to Erase Us.” Four days later, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, who was America’s first Asian-American rabbi, will talk about, “Heart Of A Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi’s Story of Faith, Identity and Belonging.” The evening program commemorates the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany.

It’s a weighty lineup but Morton believes that books have made a comeback after all the electronic screen time of the recent past.

“People are reading again,” Morton says, “people like Oprah and Jenna Bush, these popular celebrities that have started book clubs that have really helped bring the love of reading back to the forefront.”

For those who are looking for less serious topics, there plenty of talk about food. Cable TV’s Alton Brown, baking maven Dorie Greenspan, and social media stand out Jake Cohen are on the schedule. A bagel brunch will be served Nov. 14 with the discussion of famed New York appetizing store Russ & Daughters, which has a new cookbook celebrating 100 years of serving up great Jewish food.

Topping off the guest list of authors is John Grisham, who is making a rare public appearance here. The last time he was said to have shown up in Atlanta was 33 years ago, when “The Pelican Brief” debuted. The book festival is only one of two promotional appearances he has on his calendar for his latest best seller, “The Widow,” which is a mystery novel about a small-town lawyer fighting to clear his name when he’s accused of a murder he didn’t commit.

These are only a few of the highlights of one of Atlanta’s most important cultural events. It has emerged from the dark days of the pandemic more important and more relevant than ever. The co-chairs of the festival committee, Tracey Grant and Staci Libowsky, and director Pam Morton have put together an impressive lineup.

“We work really hard on curating the list, and making sure we’ve got something for everyone,” Morton points out. “That’s my hope and the hope of our committee, as well as doing books about the hot button topics of the day.”