Jewish Book Festival Counters Efforts To ‘Cancel’ Jewish Writers

All-day, free event Sunday (Dec. 8) at NYC's Museum of Jewish Heritage to highlight and support new books.

Numerous and widespread efforts to “cancel” Jewish writers and artists have become disturbingly commonplace in cultural spaces here and around the world, including publishers turning down book projects, literary editors ignoring Jewish-themed books, and venues canceling events featuring Jewish speakers, panelists and performers.

All the more reason to attend the third annual New York Jewish Book festival, an ambitious, all-day – and free – program this Sunday, Dec. 8, sponsored by and held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place, New York, NY.

“With the question of Jewish identity and cultural heritage more important than ever” in light of the war and organized campaigns to punish Jewish cultural figures simply for being Jewish, Jack Kliger, CEO of the Museum said the non-profit’s mission of “remembrance and education” is more relevant than ever. In an interview this week, he described the Museum as “a place where people come to discover and rediscover their identity” and noted a dramatic increase in attendance since the horrific Hamas attack on Israel 14 months ago.

“This year, we’re honored to host an exceptional lineup of authors, thinkers, and storytellers who bring fresh insights and nuanced perspectives to topics that resonate deeply within our community—from memory and resilience to humor and heritage,” Kliger said. “We believe in the power of stories to connect and uplift us, and we are proud to provide a space where these conversations flourish, inspiring understanding and dialogue for all.”

The festival, opening at 10 a.m., will include talks, panels, workshops and author signings, and will conclude with a concert from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The following information was provided by the Museum:

Award-winning journalist and author Rebecca Clarren, known for her deeply researched and powerful storytelling on environmental and social justice issues, will host a panel discussion on her latest book, The Cost of Free Land. The book is a groundbreaking investigation into her family's homesteading history and the legacy of Indigenous dispossession in the American West. Clarren will be joined in discussion with actor and filmmaker Sarah Podemski.

Delia Ephron is a bestselling author, screenwriter (co-writer of You’ve Got Mail), and playwright whose work spans film, stage, and page known for their wit, warmth, and insights on relationships and resilience. Ephron will discuss Left on Tenth, her book on her journey through love and loss, recounting the profound experiences of finding new love and facing a life-threatening illness. This panel is co-presented by Moment Magazine.

Noah Rinsky is the writer and creator behind Old Jewish Men, an online platform that seeks to humorously capture the unique perspectives, wit, and wisdom of Jewish culture and identity. Through a blend of satire and affection, Rinsky has built a community that celebrates the quirks and warmth of Jewish life while addressing contemporary issues with a sharp, comedic edge.

Other highlights of the Festival include:

Rachelle Bergstein (The Genius of Judy), Grace Kessler Overbeke (The First Lady of Laughs), and Jeffrey Gurock (Marty Glickman) will explore the lives and legacies of three Jewish icons: Judy Blume, Jean Carroll, and Marty Glickman. This discussion will highlight Blume’s pioneering impact on literature, Carroll’s groundbreaking role in comedy, and Glickman’s influence in sports broadcasting, celebrating the unique contributions of each to Jewish and American culture.

Authors Elyssa Friedland (Last Summer at the Golden Hotel), Caroline Leavitt (Days of Wonder), Reuven Fenton (Goyhood), and Elizabeth Harris (How to Sleep at Night) will come together for a discussion titled “Jews Writing Jews: Creating Jewish Characters.” These writers will delve into their approaches to portraying Jewish characters and themes, offering insights into the complexities, humor, and authenticity they bring to their stories.

Authors Seth Stern (Speaking Yiddish to Chickens) and Sandra Fox (The Jews of Summer) will discuss their explorations of Jewish life and culture, in a session moderated by New York Times journalist Sarah Maslin Nir. This conversation will delve into themes of tradition, identity, and community, highlighting the enduring and evolving aspects of Jewish heritage.

Dr. Lauren Bairnsfeather and author Adam Langer will participate in a discussion titled “The Diary of Anne Frank: Beloved and Banned,” co-presented with The Forward. This session will examine the lasting impact and ongoing controversies surrounding Anne Frank’s diary, exploring its role as a cherished piece of Holocaust literature and the debates it has sparked across generations.

Emmy Award–winning journalist Allison Gilbert will discuss The Joy of Connections, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer’s final book, in a session titled “The Joy of Connections.” With insights drawn from Dr. Ruth’s life and career, the book offers 100 practical ways to combat loneliness and foster meaningful relationships. In this conversation, Gilbert will explore Dr. Ruth’s compassionate, no-nonsense approach to building connections, a timely guide in an era where social isolation is recognized as a critical public health issue.

Renowned pianist and composer Marcin Masecki joins the Ger Mandolin Orchestra for Gersuite, a six-part composition created specifically for the orchestra. Conceived by Israeli-American Avner Yonai and directed by celebrated multi-instrumentalist Mike Marshall, the Ger Mandolin Orchestra revives the Eastern European Jewish mandolin orchestra tradition, performing a unique blend of Jewish, East European folk, and light classical music. It will be co-presented with POLIN Museum and the Ashkenaz Foundation.

This year’s Festival partners are: The Forward, Moment Magazine, Yiddish Book Center, Lilith Magazine, Queens Public Library and the Jewish Book Council.

For more information on the Festival, click HERE.