The St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is an annual celebration of authors, books, and ideas during early November, with additional author events year-round. The range of author topics is vast: business, cooking, economics, family, fiction, history, music, religion, sports, and more.

Now in its 45th year, the Festival is nationally recognized for both its excellence and its size - it is one of the largest in the country with more than 10,000 audience members annually. People from all backgrounds and religions come to Festival events to hear premier speakers, share their thoughts, and ask questions.

Schedule of Events:

3:00 pm: Ari Gold - Father Verses Sons: A Correspondence in Poems

Experience the profound connection between father and son as filmmaker Ari Gold presents a unique exploration of their relationship through poetry. In Father Versus Son, Gold corresponded with his beatnik poet father, Herb, before his passing, using verse to express love, longing, and reconciliation. Join us for a moving conversation with December Poetry Editor Scott Berzon, where poetry becomes a bridge for understanding and healing in the face of life's complexities.

Location: The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center

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7:30 pm: In Remembrance of Kristallnacht

Karen Kirsten - Irena's Gift: An Epic World War II Memoir of Sisters, Secrets, And Survival

In a gripping narrative of survival and bravery, Karen Kirsten shares the incredible story of her mother, a Jewish child smuggled out of the Warsaw ghetto in a backpack during the harrowing days of Nazi-occupied Poland. Discover the hidden history of resilience and love as Kirsten reflects on the extraordinary events that shaped her family's legacy. This poignant account not only honors the past but also serves as a testament to the power of compassion and courage in the darkest of times.

Location: The J, Mirowitz Performing Arts Center

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