SPECIAL EVENTS

The 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair will showcase some of the nations most prominent and emerging writers in literature, philosophy, arts and history. One of the largest Jewish book & arts fairs in the country takes place October 30- November 13, 2011 at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston.

The Book & Arts Fair “Opening Night” will feature Dennis Prager and Rabbi Joseph Telushkin to talk about  The Nine Questions People Ask About Judaism.  Opening night is free for the whole community.

Thirty-six years ago two good friends decided to collaborate on what ultimately became one of the most influential Jewish books of the last 40 years. Originally released as Eight Questions People Ask about Judaism, it offered answers to the most basic questions asked by Jews and non-Jews alike.

Called “The intelligent skeptic’s guide to Judaism” by Herman Wouk, the work was lauded by Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox rabbis noting that it should be the first book any Jewish person should own. Later updated and re-released as Nine Questions People Ask about Judaism, the book has been translated into over a dozen languages.

Both Prager and Telushkin are prolific writers and exceptional speakers. Telushkin’s Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know about the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History was the most widely read book on Judaism of the last two decades. His monumental Code of Jewish Ethics: You Shall Be Holy offered a comprehensive presentation of Jewish teachings on personal character and integrity. Telushkin writes mysteries, Jewish humor books, screenplays and scripts for TV shows including The Practice and Touched By an Angel.

Prager is considered one of American’s most celebrated radio talk show hosts, broadcasting from Los Angeles since 1982. He has appeared on Larry King Live, Hardball, CBS Evening News and The Today Show sharing his strong views on contemporary issues. His other collaboration with Telushkin, Why the Jews?, is considered a seminal work on anti semitism. Happiness Is A Serious Problem was on the Los Angeles Times best seller list for 15 weeks. In addition to his radio show and writing, Prager lectures worldwide, often in Russian and Hebrew, and enjoys conducting orchestras, bringing the joy of classical music to thousands.

The Book & Arts Fair is designed to educate, enlighten and enrich the Houston community with high quality programs including conversations with the authors, a community-wide book read, films and concerts, a large bookstore and a family day event featuring.

Visit erjcchouston.org for more information about programs and services available at the 39th Annual Jewish Book & Arts Fair October 30 – November 13. Find us on Facebook.