For more than 40 years, the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival has brought extraordinary voices to Tidewater. Bestselling authors, journalists, diplomats, physicians, judges, artists, historians, and thought leaders visit the community to share ideas, challenge assumptions, spark curiosity, and deepen understanding.
Each conversation offers an opportunity to engage with remarkable individuals whose work is shaping public discourse, advancing knowledge, illuminating history, and expanding perspectives. Together, these voices invite exploration of some of today’s most compelling questions and enduring themes, from identity, belonging, and creativity to leadership, wellness, culture, law, and current events.
The festival experience extends beyond the stage. Featured books provide opportunities for continued learning, reflection, and engagement long after each conversation concludes.
Unless otherwise noted, all conversations are free and take place at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest.
Support the festival and its visiting authors by purchasing books online. Pre-order a copy for pick-up at the Simon Family JCC when registering for an event or order a book for home delivery through JewishVA.org/BookShop. Books can also be purchased at the JCC. Stay after each event to meet the author and get books signed.
For more information about the festival or to sponsor or volunteer, contact Hunter Thomas, UJFT’s director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137. To learn more or to register for events, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest.
The Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival is funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission and is held in coordination with the Jewish Book Council, the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature.
THE AMERICAN-ISRAELI RELATIONSHIP: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Israeli Ambassador to the United States (2009-2013), Michael Oren
Author of multiple titles on Israel, the Middle East, and U.S.–Israel relations
Thursday, October 22 • 7 pm • Congregation Beth El
Few individuals have had a front-row seat to the modern U.S.-Israel relationship quite like Michael Oren. With Israelis heading to the polls just days after his visit, Oren connects history to today’s headlines while exploring the forces shaping Israel, America, and the broader Middle East. Drawing on decades of public service, he offers insight into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-In-Residence Fund of the Congregation Beth El Foundation in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.
JUDY BLUME: A LIFE
Journalist, author, and podcaster Mark Oppenheimer, Author of Judy Blume: A Life
Wednesday, October 28 • 7 pm
Few authors have influenced more readers, sparked more conversations, or challenged more assumptions than Judy Blume. Award-winning journalist and podcaster Mark Oppenheimer explores the life, impact, and enduring relevance of one of America’s most beloved writers, revealing why her work continues to resonate across generations.
HINENU: ISRAEL AT TEN MILLION
Photographer David Shlachter, Author of Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million
Thursday, November 5 • 7 pm
As Israel reaches a historic demographic milestone, David Shlachter explores the individuals behind the statistics – Jews and Arabs, immigrants and natives, young dreamers and seasoned leaders – creating a multifaceted portrait of a nation at an important moment in its history. The result is an intimate portrait of Israeli society and the people helping define its future.
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.
View photographs from Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million on display in the Leon Family Gallery at the Simon Family JCC, November through December 2026.
FLOWER ENERGY
Florist and founder of Magical Blooms Jenny Barker, Author of Flower Energy: Channeling the Healing Power of Blooms
Thursday, November 12 • 7 pm
Known nationally as the “Flower Doctor,” Jenny Barker explores the intersection of beauty, creativity, wellness, and emotional well-being. Combining personal stories and practical wisdom, she shares how flowers can comfort, celebrate, inspire, and help people navigate life’s most meaningful moments.
THE VET WILL SEE YOU NOW
Veterinarian Dr. Barak Benaryeh, Author of The Vet Will See You Now: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know (But Doesn’t)
Monday, November 16 • 7 pm\
For many families, pets are among life’s most treasured companions. Drawing on decades
of experience, Dr. Barak Benaryeh pulls back the curtain on veterinary medicine with humor, honesty, and compassion, offering insight into the relationships people share with the animals who become part of their families.
MUSIC BETWEEN YOUR EARS
Neurologist Dr. Samuel Markind, Author of Music Between Your Ears: How Musical Engagement Powers the Human Brain
Tuesday, December 1 • 12 pm
A respected neurologist and lifelong musician, Dr. Samuel Markind brings science and art together to explore one of humanity’s most universal experiences. Combining neuroscience with real-world examples, he examines how music shapes memory, learning, movement, communication, and emotional well-being throughout life.
ISRAEL ON TRIAL IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION
Federal Judge Roy Altman, Author of Israel on Trial: Examining the History, the Evidence, and the Law
Thursday, December 10 • 7 pm
What happens when a federal judge applies the standards of the courtroom to the claims, headlines, and narratives surrounding Israel? Through evidence, history, and law, Judge Roy Altman examines one of today’s most debated subjects and offers a framework for navigating difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence.
Presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.
A TIME TO GATHER
Bestselling author and storyteller Bruce Feiler, Author of A Time to Gather: How Ritual Created the World — and How It Can Save Us
Thursday, October 15 • 1 pm – online
What do rituals provide, and what happens when they disappear? Few contemporary authors have explored questions of meaning, connection, family, and belonging as thoughtfully as Bruce Feiler. Blending research, storytelling, and practical insight, he examines why gathering still matters and what shared experiences can offer in an increasingly disconnected world.
