Jewish Voices, Shared Stories:
A Jewish Book Council Author Series
Bringing Authors and Readers Together Through Meaningful Conversations
In partnership with the Jewish Book Council and several community organizations, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County is proud to bring acclaimed authors from across the country, as well as local voices, to our community for a dynamic series of author events.
Featuring a diverse range of topics, stories, and perspectives, these programs offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Books may be available for purchase through the Federation office and at select events, where they can be signed by the authors. To check book availability or reserve a copy in advance, contact Pam at 845-562-7860 or [email protected].
For virtual author events, a Zoom link will be provided upon completion of registration.
Help us keep these engaging author programs free and accessible to our community! Your support makes it possible to bring authors and readers together through meaningful conversations and shared stories.
Click here to donate and become a JBC sponsor!
When making your donation, please select “Jewish Book Council” from the drop-down menu to ensure your contribution supports our author programs.
Celebrate the 101st Jewish Book Month!
November 3 – December 3, 2026
Let’s come together to celebrate the authors, readers, and stories that keep Jewish heritage alive and connect generations.
Our Story Continues. Read It. Share It. Keep It Alive.
See which authors we have lined up for Jewish Book Month below, and join us for meaningful conversations and stories that inspire, connect, and keep our Jewish story alive.
Join us for a special Kristallnacht Commemoration featuring Barbara Josselsohn, author of The Secret Orphanage.
Sunday, November 8
Free Event | Open to the Entire Community
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Help us offset the cost of this community program and make this meaningful commemoration possible.
Books will be available for purchase after the program.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22 | 2:00 PM
Virtual Event • Free • Open to the Entire Community
REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO RECEIVE THE ZOOM LINK
Join us for a virtual event with author Michael Benson and uncover the true story of Hitler’s attempt to turn Hollywood into a Nazi propaganda machine—and the clandestine effort to stop him.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Barbara Josselsohn will share the story behind her powerful historical novel, The Secret Orphanage, and the remarkable history that inspired it.
Set in Nazi-occupied France, the novel follows a courageous schoolteacher who secretly shelters Jewish children and risks everything to protect them. Decades later, a young woman discovers a mysterious connection to her French-born grandfather and a French village with a remarkable wartime past.
Inspired by the true story of a village that saved more than 3,000 Jewish people, most of them children, The Secret Orphanage is a story of courage, resistance, family, and the enduring power of memory.
Join us as Barbara discusses the inspiration behind her novel, the history that shaped its story, and the importance of remembering those who risked everything to save others.
Beginning in 1933, Jewish lawyer Leon Lewis and his network of undercover “Nazibusters” infiltrated pro-Nazi organizations in Los Angeles, uncovering plans for a violent takeover of Hollywood and the city itself.
With the support of Hollywood’s Jewish studio heads, Lewis and his team worked behind the scenes to expose the Nazi threat and protect the movie industry from Nazi influence.
Discover this little-known chapter of American history and the hidden battle that unfolded in the City of Angels.
Sunday, December 13 | 10:30AM
Join us for a special Jewish Book Council Author Event
in collaboration with Temple Beth Jacob
Featuring Amanda Kingloff Author of The Art of Jewish Joy
Details & Registration Coming Soon!
Rebecca Blumenstein
Jewish Book Council Author Event
In Collaboration with Temple Sinai
Virtual Event
Featuring Authors Rebecca Blumenstein & Dianna Kapp
The Last Free Woman: A Daring Escape from Afghanistan
and Coming of Age in America
Details Coming Soon
Jewish Book Council Author Event
In Collaboration with Monroe Temple Sisterhood
Featuring Author Jennifer Lang
Author of 90 Charles Street: Girlhood in an immigrant Jewish family in Greenwich Village.
Details Coming Soon
Previous Recordings from our Jewish Book Council Author Events
Author of "Lolita at Leonard's of Great Neck and Other Stories from the Before Times"
Author of "Sarra Copia: A Locked in Life"
Woke Antisemitism Monday Night Discussion with Author David L. Bernstein, Wendy Cedar & Donald Green
