The Marjorie and Lewis Katz Jewish Community Center will host its annual Festival of Arts, Books and Culture Nov. 1–25, celebrating creativity, storytelling and community connection through a month of diverse events and special guests.
Now in its long-standing tradition, the festival will feature 25 events throughout November, including author talks, culinary demonstrations, live performances and free community programs. Each event highlights the JCC’s mission to inspire, educate and bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
“This festival transforms our building into a space of discovery and dialogue,” said Brian Adler, associate executive director and development director at the Katz JCC. “Whether you’re coming to hear a favorite author, bake babka, or enjoy live music, it’s all about connecting through creativity. Throughout the month of November, the lobby of the Katz JCC will be filled with books that inspire, teach and help our community enjoy a shared culture.”
Festival Highlights
Dueling Pianos Kickoff
Saturday, Nov. 1 | 7 p.m. | Tickets: $45
The festival opens with an interactive Dueling Pianos concert. Two pianists will take audience song requests in a lively night of music, humor and crowd participation.
Tova Mirvis – We Would Never
Friday, Nov. 7 | 10:30 a.m. | Tickets: $10
Inspired by a true scandal, Mirvis’ latest novel explores the unraveling of a family in the wake of betrayal and tragedy, told with empathy and sharp insight.
Yonina – Yoni and Nina Tokayer
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | 6:30 a.m. | Tickets: $36
Yoni and Nina Tokayer, also known as Yonina, are an Israeli musical duo acclaimed for their weekly home videos, which have reached millions of viewers worldwide. They have released two original albums and have been performing for the past nine years throughout Israel and abroad.
B.A. Shapiro – The Lost Masterpiece
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 6:30 p.m. | Tickets: $15
Known for her art-world mysteries, Shapiro returns with a multigenerational story that blends historical fiction, intrigue and self-discovery.
Babka-Making Workshop with Tova Rapoport
Wednesday, Nov. 19 | 11 a.m. | Tickets: $36
Learn the art of braiding and baking traditional Jewish babka in this hands-on culinary workshop. Participants will take home their own freshly baked loaf.
Sara Goodman Confino – Behind Every Good Man
Monday, Nov. 24 | 10:30 a.m. | Tickets: $15
Set in 1962, Confino’s witty novel follows a wronged wife who reinvents herself and challenges her cheating husband at the ballot box.
FREE Community Events
Sharing Shalom
Tuesday, Nov. 11 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission (Children’s event)
Based on true events, Sharing Shalom by Danielle Sharkan and Selina Alko tells the story of Leila, a Hebrew school student whose lessons are disrupted by a hate-filled act of vandalism. Told through Leila’s eyes, the book explores themes of antisemitism, resilience and the power of community support.
The See-You-Soon Spice Box
Tuesday, Nov. 18 | 10:30 a.m. | Free Admission (Children’s event)
Perfect for preschoolers and families, this warm and gentle story introduces young readers to the Jewish tradition of Havdalah through the eyes of Silas and his great-grandmother Faye. Together, they celebrate the end of Shabbat with a handmade spice box and a joyful reminder that connection can transcend distance.
Parsha of the Week
Friday, Nov. 14 | 10:30 a.m. with Cantor Goren and Rabbi Feshbach
Friday, Nov. 21 | 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Kremer, Rabbi/Cantor Menaker and Rabbi Rapoport
These interactive sessions offer an engaging look at weekly Torah portions, exploring timeless stories and values that resonate today
Patron Opportunities
Supporters can enjoy exclusive perks by becoming festival patrons.
- Gold Patron – $500: Includes recognition in all festival materials, admission to all events (including premium programs), VIP seating, a signed copy of Behind Every Good Man, a bottle of Israeli wine, and two tickets to The Goldman Case on Nov. 25.
- Series Patron – $360: Includes recognition, reserved seating, admission to most events, and access to special receptions.
- Event Patron – $180: Includes general admission to most festival events, excluding select premium programs.
Tickets and the full event schedule are available at https://jccatlantic.org/2025/09/25/2025-arts-books-culture-festival/ or by stopping by the JCC’s Welcome Center.
The Festival of Arts, Books & Culture is organized in partnership with a dedicated committee of volunteers and staff, led by Brian Adler. The Festival is funded in part by the Jewish Community Foundation and the Annual Campaign of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.
Current sponsors include Event Sponsor – The Jeanne and Richard Kaskey Foundation; Silver Sponsors – TD Bank and The Kranzdorf Family Foundation, in memory of Norman Kranzdorf (z”l); Bronze Sponsors – Seashore Wealth Management, Caesars Atlantic City, and Marc and Elaine Edelstein & Family; and Friends of the Festival – Flaster Greenberg/Doug Stanger.
The Katz JCC is grateful for the assistance from the Jewish Book Council in helping to secure our authors for this year’s festival. We extend our deepest thanks for our sponsors’ continued support of our community.
