Sunday, November 1

Leslie Lacin
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
You, With Your Waiting 

When Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in 1941, fourteen-year-old violin prodigy Bronya and her younger brother, Avsey, are torn apart and forced onto separate paths of survival. As Bronya clings to music and Avsey treasures a small box of keepsakes, both struggle to preserve hope amid the horrors of war. Inspired by the Jewish children during the Holocaust, You, With Your Waiting is an unforgettable story of courage and the unbreakable bonds of love.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Monday, November 2

Billy Planer 
5:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Conversations That Matter: How Americans Can Talk About Tough Issues and Remain United
In conversation with Carl Abramowitz, Director of Teen Engagement & Enrichment at the Katz JCC
 
In today’s increasingly polarized world, conversations about politics and identity can be challenging for all ages. Join educator Billy Planer for an engaging, interactive program that offers practical strategies for navigating difficult discussions with confidence, empathy, and curiosity. With over 25 years of educational leadership and Civil Rights work, Billy shares tools for finding common ground while respecting differences. Open to teens, parents, and anyone seeking to strengthen relationships across divides.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

The Third Generation Panel: Grandchildren Remember
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Moderated by Sarah Sellers, Director of Adult Enrichment at the Katz JCC

Tuesday, November 3

Historical Fiction Panel
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Moderated by Pam Jenoff, Best Selling Author and Professor of Law, Rutgers University 

Wednesday, November 4

Michael Kimmel  
1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs Who Created The Toy Industry in America
In conversation with Lisa Muchnick Coriano, MSW, Associate Executive Director of the Katz JCC
 
Toys define childhood joy. From Teddy Bears to Barbie to Lionel Trains, many of America’s most beloved toys share a surprising origin: they were created by Jewish immigrants pursuing the American Dream. In Playmakers, sociologist Michael Kimmel chronicles the entrepreneurs behind iconic companies like Hasbro, Mattel, Ideal Toy, and Lionel, revealing how they revolutionized the toy industry and helped shape modern childhood, leaving a lasting impact on generations of American culture. 

Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Michael Benson  
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Hollywood vs. Nazis: How the Movie Studios Took On Nazis Infiltrating Los Angeles
In conversation with  Jody Russell Manning, Associate Teaching Professor at Rowan University
 
Hollywood vs. Nazis reveals the extraordinary true story of how Hollywood became an unexpected battleground in the years leading up to World War II. As Hitler sought to influence the American film industry, Jewish studio leaders mounted a secret campaign to expose and undermine Nazi sympathizers operating in the United States. Featuring rare photographs, this compelling presentation sheds light on a little-known chapter of American history and the individuals who stood up to protect democracy.

 Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Sponsored by Townsend Foundation, Judith Nadell and John Langan 

Thursday, November 5

The Rainbow Fish
3:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall

Walnut Street Theatre's Outreach Touring Company brings the beloved children's classic to life on stage. Known for its shimmering scales, Rainbow Fish learns that true happiness comes from kindness, generosity, and sharing. Featuring colorful characters, lively music, and meaningful lessons, this heartwarming production delights audiences of all ages. It's a magical theatrical adventure perfect for children, parents, and grandparents alike.

 
Tickets: $10 per person
Ticket required for all attending, including accompanying adults

Sponsored by Frances & Daniel Schwartz Charitable Foundation

Friday, November 6

Jane Loeb Rubin
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Mayhem in the Mountains: A Gilded City Series
In conversation with Meredith Finn, Storyteller & Community Builder
 
Set in the Catskills during the turmoil of 1924, Mayhem in the Mountains follows eighteen-year-old Ella and her younger brother as they search for family and become entangled in a world of bootleggers, Prohibition, the Ku Klux Klan, and the beginnings of the Borscht Belt. Inspired by her family history, Jane Loeb Rubin blends historical fact and fiction into a compelling story of Jewish resilience and survival in a turbulent era.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Sponsored by Arlene & Michael Lewis

Crafts in the Catskills
1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Hosted by Party Dreamers

Step into a world of creativity and nostalgia with this hands-on arts and crafts experience inspired by the charm of the Catskills. Perfect for all ages, this interactive workshop invites participants to create a unique keepsake while enjoying the spirit of a classic Catskills getaway. Choose from a variety of fun projects. Whether you're crafting with family, friends, or on your own, you'll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation and a memorable Catskills experience. Pick from these three projects: Decoupage flower pots, memory boxes and resin mezuzahs.

Appropriate for children, teens, adults, and families. All materials are included. This is a participant-only event. All attendees, including accompanying adults, must be registered and pay for the craft.

Member: $36 | Non-Member: $45

Sponsored by Mindel Kaufman Lifelong Learning Art Institute Endowment Fund of the JCF, Inc.

Local Authors Showcase
10:00AM | Lahn Social Hall

Main Stage Authors: 
Leo Rosner and Bob Vogel

Leo Rosner and Bob Vogel may be generations apart, but they share a love of learning, creativity, and storytelling.  Leo is in 4th grade at Kresson Elementary School.  Bob is an accomplished author and the Founding Director of Writers Matter, who has dedicated his career to helping young people find their voices through writing. Together, Leo and Bob will share their journey of writing a children’s book together and Bob will also share about Writers Matter: A writing program serving children in Philadelphia and Israel celebrating children’s voices.

Josh Cutler 
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
The Seventy Shuls: Synagogue Life and Yiddishkeit from the Pine Barrens to the Boardwalk 

Hidden throughout South Jersey are the forgotten remnants of a once thriving Jewish
world. In The Seventy Shuls, historian Josh Cutler, uncovers the remarkable stories of synagogues that served generations of Jewish farmers, merchants and Holocaust survivors. Blending investigative journalism, personal reflection and South Jersey nostalgia, Cutler traces nearly 150 years of Jewish life across the Garden State, revealing how these sacred spaces shaped communities and preserved faith through changing times. 

Monday, November 9

Ruth Knafo Setton 
1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Zigzag Girl 

Zigzag Girl is a gripping noir thriller set in Atlantic City, where magic, murder, and family secrets intertwine. When aspiring illusionist Lucy Moon’s best friend is found dead inside a magician’s sawing box, she is drawn into a web of deception, organized crime, and hidden truths. With the help of a sisterhood of female magicians and mystics, Lucy must unravel the mystery and confront her past before she becomes the killer’s next victim.

Jenna Blum
 10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Murder Your Darlings
In conversation with Arielle Ben-Haim, Women's Philanthropy Associate at JFSNJ 

New York Times bestselling author Jenna Blum, celebrated for her acclaimed historical fiction, takes a bold turn with Murder Your Darlings, a witty and gripping psychological thriller set in the literary world. Filled with suspense, romance, revenge, dark humor, and shocking twists, the novel explores obsession, betrayal, and deadly secrets. Known for her sharp humor and engaging personality, Blum is often called the “Mrs. Maisel” of the literary circuit, making this a conversation not to be missed.

Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Tuesday, November 10

Jacqueline Friedland

1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Breathing Under Water
In conversation with Minna Siegel, Temple Beth Sholom Librarian 

Two women burdened by overwhelming responsibilities find hope in unexpected places. Breathing Under Water follows a vice principal raising her autistic teenage son and a college student struggling with caregiving and financial hardship. When their lives intersect through adaptive swimming lessons, they discover resilience, sacrifice, and the power of human connection. Heartfelt and inspiring, Jacqueline Friedland’s novel celebrates compassion and the transformative impact of supporting one another through life’s challenges. 

Wednesday, November 11

Gayle Feldman  
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built
In conversation with Amy Spiegel, Librarian at the Cherry Hill Public Library  

Before Random House became one of the world’s most influential publishing companies, Bennett Cerf helped reshape American literature while quietly changing the place of Jewish voices in publishing. He introduced readers to legends such as Dr. Seuss, James Joyce, William Faulkner, and Philip Roth. From television fame on What’s My Line? to friendships with cultural and political leaders, Cerf’s life offers a captivating look at twentieth-century America, publishing, and Jewish history. 

Jason Bell  
1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Operation Sparrow: The Incredible True Story of the North American Spies Who Tricked Hitler and Won the War
In conversation with Dani Chase, PhD, Raab Goodwin Volunteer

Operation Sparrow reveals the remarkable true story of three Allied commandos who parachuted into Nazi-occupied Hungary during World War II. Their mission: deceive Hitler, divert Axis forces from Normandy, and help save Hungary’s Jewish population. Drawing on newly declassified archives, historian Jason Bell brings this forgotten story of espionage.  resistance, and sacrifice to life through stories and historical photos.

Thursday, November 12

Luncheon with Karen Essex  
11:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Run, Darling
 In conversation with Marcy Dash Friedman, owner, Dashing Designs Inc, past JCC President

 Join bestselling author Karen Essex, an acclaimed novelist and historical researcher, for a fascinating discussion of Run, Darling, her compelling new book about the legendary Gabor sisters. Long before they became Hollywood icons, Zsa Zsa, Eva, and Magda were Jewish refugees fleeing the growing threat of Nazism in Europe. Through meticulous research and riveting storytelling, Essex uncovers a remarkable tale of courage, resilience, reinvention, and survival.

 
This Festival luncheon offers a captivating look at the hidden Jewish history behind the glamour. Included is a kosher lunch with Hungarian touches.

 Member: $50  | Non-Member: $60

Sponsored by Dashing Designs Inc. 

Mahj & Mingle: A Mahjong Night Out
6:00 PM |  Lahn Social Hall
Hosted by Samantha Richman, of SamRichMahj, and Katz JCC Board Member

Jonathan Bockian
1:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
What Was Forbidden: A Venice Ghetto Mystery
In conversation with Amy Kaplan, Congregation Beth El Librarian

Inspired by a mysterious 1672 inscription in Venice’s Jewish Ghetto, What Was Forbidden is a compelling historical mystery of murder, justice, and hidden truths. After her husband’s murder, Yehudit Baldosa defies societal expectations and pursues the killer, uncovering secrets tied to forbidden love, religious extremism, political intrigue, and revenge. Rich with suspense and historical detail, it is the story of a woman’s fight to challenge the limits imposed upon her.

Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22

Niki Russ Federman & Josh Russ Tupper  
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Russ & Daughters: 100 Years of Appetizing
In conversation with Dr. Andrew Mulberg, Katz JCC Board Vice President

For more than 100 years, Russ & Daughters has been serving up iconic Jewish foods and unforgettable family stories. Join fourth-generation owners Niki Russ Federman and Josh Russ Tupper for a lively look at the beloved Lower East Side institution that began with a humble herring cart in 1907. Discover fascinating history, delicious traditions, and the recipes, memories, and culture that have kept generations gathering around the table.

Member: $18  | Non-Member: $22
Sponsored by Betty and Nat Mulberg Culinary Academy

Friday, November 13

Saturday, November 14

Jason Bishop
7:00 PM |  Lahn Social Hall
Straight Up Magic 
 
Experience an unforgettable evening of wonder with international award-winning illusionist Jason Bishop, known for his breathtaking large-scale illusions, expert sleight of hand, and interactive close-up magic. Whether it’s a person passing through his body one moment or making a goldfish appear from nowhere the next, Bishop delivers a show that keeps audiences amazed from start to finish.  Praised by CBS Sunday Morning and NBC’s Today Show, this family-friendly performance is perfect for couples, groups, and date nights.
 
Member: $50 | Non-Member: $60

Sponsored by Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc. 

Saturday, November 7

The Midtown Men, founded by four seasoned Broadway performers—Tony Award®-Winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard, and Tony Award® Nominee J. Robert Spencer- brought together in the Original Broadway Cast of the Tony Award®-winning, JERSEY BOYS, this dynamic quartet captivates audiences with their harmonious blend of voices, charismatic stage presence, and a repertoire that seamlessly weaves together iconic hits from the 1960s.

Make it a night out and experience the electrifying sound of The Midtown Men—an upbeat, crowd-pleasing concert packed with favorite songs, high-energy performances, and moments that will have you singing along and dancing in your seat.

*This event is for adults ages 21+. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Member: $50  |  Non-Member: $60

Sponsored by The Mildred Soefer Foundation and Gottschalk Family

The Festival of Arts, Books and Culture is a cashless event.
Only credit card and checks will be accepted.  
Refunds will only be granted if program is cancelled.

Schedule of Events

Opening Weekend
Champagne, Jazz & Deception: A Brunch with Merryl Goldberg, Featuring Hankas Netsky
11:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Notes of Deception: How a Quartet of American Musicians Outwitted the KGB  
 
In 1985, four American musicians traveled to Moscow carrying more than their instruments. Members of the legendary Boston based Klezmer Conservatory Band, they used Yiddish music as cover for a daring mission behind the Iron Curtain, helping Soviet Jews, activists, and dissidents evade KGB surveillance. Author Merryl Goldberg, who was one of those musicians, is joined by Hankus Netsky, founder of the Klezmer Conservatory Band, and who was also on that trip, will share this remarkable true story, revealing the secret codes hidden in the group's sheet music.
 
Guests will enjoy a delicious kosher brunch accompanied by the lively sounds of the Philadelphia Klezmer Heritage Band, including Barry Wahrhaftig, leader of the Hot Club of Philadelphia Gypsy Jazz Band. Special guest musicians will include Merryl Goldberg and Hankus Netsky.

*This event is for adults ages 21+.

Member: $50 | Non-Member: $60

Sponsored by Sue and Eric Baelen

 Jordan Fontheim  
The Boy Who Vanished: A True Story of Surviving the Holocaust
 
As the Nazis tightened their grip on Berlin, young Jewish student Ernest Fontheim made the extraordinary choice to disappear by assuming the identity of an Aryan. Risking everything, he lived in plain sight. Decades later, his story surfaced through diaries, personal writings, and oral histories preserved by his grandson, Jordan Fontheim. The Boy Who Vanished tells a remarkable story of courage and survival during the Holocaust.

Doron Keren
Beneath the Lightless Sky: My Grand­fa­ther’s Wartime Expe­ri­ences in the Sew­ers of Lvov  

When the Nazis liquidated the Lvov Ghetto, Ignacy Chiger and his family survived for 14 months hidden in the city’s sewers, enduring hunger, darkness, and constant danger. With the courageous help of sewer worker Leopold Socha, they escaped almost certain death. In Beneath the Lightless Sky, Dr. Doron Keren recounts a remarkable firsthand survival story that highlights both the depths of human cruelty and the courage of unlikely heroes.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22
Sponsored by Life and Legacy 

James Loeffler
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Exceptional Hatred: Antisemitism and the Fight Over Free Speech in Modern America

 
What happens when the fight against hatred collides with the principles of free speech? In Exceptional Hatred, historian James Loeffler explores this enduring challenge through key moments in American history, from postwar Chicago and Skokie to Charlottesville. Examining antisemitism, hate speech and First Amendment debates, he reveals how courts and communities have responded. This timely work invites audiences to consider how democracy can confront hatred while preserving fundamental freedoms.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22

Appel Art Gallery Reception:

A Focus on Nature: An Exhibit by Mating Pair Photography
6:00 PM  |  Appel Art Gallery

Betsy Frischman Fischer 
10:00 AM | Lahn Social Hall
Even After Everything: How One Humble Kibbutznik Believed in Heaven While Living Through Hell
 
Before becoming one of Israel’s most inspiring leaders, Gadi Yarkoni survived a devastating Hamas mortar attack that cost him both legs. Rather than surrender to tragedy, he dedicated his life to public service. In Even After Everything, Betsy Frischman Fischer tells Yarkoni’s remarkable story and highlights his role in guiding the Eshkol Regional Council after October 7 and showcasing the enduring strength of the Israeli spirit.
 
Member: $18 | Guest: $22 

Sponsored by Hyland Levin Shapiro LLP

Following the conversation on the Main Stage, eight additional local authors will introduce their newest books before guests are invited to move throughout the room for an interactive literary salon. Meet the authors, ask questions, discover new titles, and engage in meaningful conversations about the stories that connect us all.

Community-Wide Kristallnacht Observance
Anita Wyzanski Robboy
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
A Force for Good: Gisela Warburg Wyzanski
In conversation with with Peggy David, LCSW, Raab Goodwin Steering Committee

Discover the incredible true story of Gisela Warburg Wyzanski. Drawing from an extraordinary collection of family letters and historical documents, some of which will be shared during the program. Robboy highlights the close and complex relationships forged between her late mother, and her mentors Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah, and Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first president, as the remarkable individuals rescued thousands of Eastern European youths from annihilation at the hands of the Nazis.

Scott D. Reich 
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
One Day in September: Baseball, Brotherhood, and the Birth of the All-Star Game

Join award-winning author Scott D. Reich for a fascinating look at a forgotten moment in baseball history that brought together legends Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Walter Johnson, and Connie Mack. Known for his meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Reich reveals how America’s pastime became a powerful symbol of generosity, unity, and hope during a nation at war. This captivating presentation is perfect for sports fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves remarkable true stories.

Film  |  Ethan Bloom
1:00 PM |  Lahn Social Hall
Herschel Faber  |  2026
1 hr 35 minutes  |  United States  |  English

Ethan Bloom is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about faith, family, and finding your place in the world. As his bar mitzvah approaches, thirteen-year-old Ethan (Hank Greenspan) is expected to embrace his Jewish heritage. Instead, he finds himself drawn to the Catholic church, where he secretly seeks guidance from Father Diaz (Carlos Ponce). Caught between two spiritual worlds, Ethan embarks on an unexpected journey of self-discovery. 

With the help of an unconventional Rabbi (Rachelle Lefevre), the support of his loving but imperfect father (Joshua Malina), and a fearless new friend (Caroline Valencia) who just might steal his heart, Ethan learns that identity is rarely simple. Funny, moving, and deeply authentic, this uplifting film reminds us that faith is not about choosing sides, but about embracing every part of who we are.

Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22 

Sunday, November 15

An Evening with Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin
7:15 PM | Congregation Beth El
When We See You Again
 
After their son, Hersh, was stolen by Hamas at the Nova Music Festival, Rachel and Jon became fulltime advocates, speaking around the world about Hersh’s abduction and working tirelessly, in public and behind the scenes, for the release of all hostages taken captive. Rachel and Jon have become powerful voices of courage and hope in the aftermath of October 7, touching hearts around the world through their unwavering advocacy, humanity, and faith. Their message speaks to the strength of the Jewish people, the importance of standing together during challenging times, and the extraordinary ability to choose joy, celebrate Ife, and inspire hope even in the face of unimaginable heartbreak. 

Tickets: $75*
*Pre registration required by November 2nd.
No walk-ins.

This event is a collaboration between:

Sunday, November 8

The Midtown Men - Stars from the Original Broadway Cast of Jersey Boys
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall

Dr. Jaime Knopman & Rebecca Raphael  
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
Own Your Fertility: From Egg Freezing to Surrogacy, How to Take Charge of Your Body and Your Future 

Own Your Fertility explores today’s rapidly evolving fertility landscape with clarity, humor, and real-life perspective. Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Jaime Knopman and writer Rebecca Raphael combine science, practical guidance, and personal anecdotes to demystify fertility preservation, reproductive health, and modern family building. By challenging common misconceptions and explaining reproductive medicine in accessible terms, they empower individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their future with confidence. 

Socialize with friends for the first hour, games will begin at 7pm!  *This event is for adults ages 21+.

Grab your friends and join us for a fun-filled evening of Mahjong, laughter, and friendly competition!

We'll keep the energy going with a selection of delicious kosher snacks and refreshing mocktails and cocktails available throughout the evening. Bring your lucky charm, your best strategy, and get ready to call "Mahjong!" as you play, socialize, and unwind.

Have your own Mahjong set? Feel free to bring it along! The more tables and games in play, the merrier. Come with a group or make new friends as you enjoy a relaxed and entertaining night centered around everyone's favorite game. Don't miss this chance to gather, snack, sip, and play!

Please note: Instruction will not be provided, so this event is not suitable for beginners.

Member: $36  | Non-Member: $45 

Film |  We Met at Grossinger’s
7:00 PM | Lahn Social Hall
PAULA EISELT I 2025
1 HR 44 MINS I UNITED STATES I ENGLISH

 
We Met at Grossinger’s is an immersive documentary celebrating the iconic Catskills resort that inspired Dirty Dancing and helped shape Jewish American life. Award-winning filmmaker Paula Eiselt uses archival footage and personal stories to explore Grossinger’s role as a haven for community, opportunity, and belonging.

Stay for a special post-film discussion with Eiselt and author Jane Loeb Rubin on the Borscht Belt’s lasting impact on American culture and Jewish life.
 
Member: $18 | Non-Member: $22

Sponsored by the Susson Family

Wendy and Bruce Rubin share a passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world throughout photography.  Their work reflects countless hours spent exploring the outdoors and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

 Free and open to the community. Pre-registration is required.

Member: $18  |  Non-member: $22