Dear community, 

In the past year, we have all felt the highs of hope and the lows of fear as the pandemic advanced. Today we are finally feeling the first signs of relief as Covid-19 vaccinations are changing the picture, even as we know the fight against the pandemic continues. Throughout this time, the Jewish Federation staff and volunteers have found new ways to continue serving our community and bringing people together virtually until we could meet again safely in person.

Last fall, the Jewish Book Festival went online for the first time. Our committee wasn’t sure we could make it work, but the response from the community was more enthusiastic than we could have imagined. This year, as our member synagogues and organizations prepare to resume safe in-person attendance, we are keeping most of our events virtual but are planning a few special author events with both in-person and online participation.

Over the past few months, the Jewish Book Festival committee has met virtually to plan the 23^rd Festival. We are partnering with the Jewish Book Council, as we do each year, to bring our community the best new books and award-winning authors. We are excited about the opportunity to explore new genres, to reach a wider audience, and above all to bring our community together in appreciation for Jewish literature.

I understand that these are financially trying times and that giving may not be possible. Yet we turn to you – your generosity will allow us to bring about one of the best Jewish book events in Southern California. We hope you will choose to become a Literary Circle Patron and support this special program.

Literary Circle members will be acknowledged in the Jewish Book Festival brochure as well as in print and online publicity. You may designate your contribution in memory of a loved one or in honor of someone special. To be included in the 2021 Jewish Book Festival brochure, please be sure to sign up by August 21, 2021.