November 1- 30
Featuring CNN Pentagon Correspondent Oren Liebermann, Joel Chasnoff, Comedian, Author and National Jewish Book Award Winner, David & Susan Schwartz, Authors of The Joy of Costco and a Concert with Jeff Hartman.
Gold Patron
- Includes admission and reserved seating in front section for all Festival events (excludes Paint & Sip)
- Post-event Meet and Greet with Comedian Joel Chasnoff
- Autographed copy of CNN Pentagon Correspondent, Oren Liebermann’s book, The Insulin Express
- Includes admission at a reserved table at Tova Rappoport’s Challah Bake
- Name listed on Festival Sponsor Recognition Sheet, distributed at all Festival events
Series Patron
- Includes admission and reserved seating in special section for all Festival events (excludes Paint & Sip)
- Autographed copy of CNN Pentagon Correspondent, Oren Liebermann’s book, The Insulin Express
- Streams of Shattered Consciousness
Author Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
Date: Monday, November 4
Time: 10:30 am
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner presents his book Streams of Shattered Consciousness.
On October 7, 2023, David-Seth Kirshner woke up excited to celebrate his 50th birthday. Instead of eating cake, Rabbi Kirshner was glued to the news as the horrible attack by Hamas upon innocent Israelis began to unfold. Emotions flooded him from all directions. Anger, rage, surprise, fear, hope, frustration, anxiety, confidence and grief were just some of what inhabited his mind and body. Streams of Shattered Consciousness is a daily chronicle of Rabbi Kirshner’s channeled emotions and opinions with a healthy dose of history lessons. Kirshner’s detailed accounts accompanied by his personal reflections will keep a record of what will surely be a watershed moment in the history of the Jewish people.
- A Place to Hide
Author Ronald H. Balson
Date: Wednesday, November 6
Time: 6:30 pm
Ron Balson discusses his book A Place to Hide.
In 1938, as Hitler’s inexorable rise continues, Theodore “Teddy” Hartigan is re-assigned from a comfortable job in DC to the US Consulate in Amsterdam to replace fleeing staff. Teddy’s job is to process visa applications, and by 1939, refugees from Nazi-conquered Poland, Austria, and other countries are desperate to secure safe passage to America. As Hitler sweeps through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Holland, the screws tighten and law after virulent law is passed to threaten the lives, indeed the very existence of the Jewish people. Teddy comes to realize that he holds the key to saving lives, whether five, fifty, or five hundred — and makes the dangerous and selfless decision to join with underground groups and use his position at the Consulate to rescue those with no other avenue of escape. Ron Balson’s A Place to Hide explores the deeply-moving actions of an ordinary man who resolves, under perilous circumstances, to make a difference.
- The Automat
Date: Saturday, November 9
Time: 7:00 pm
Join us for a screening of The Automat. This documentary centers on the vending machine popularized in the 20th century that offered fresh cooked meals in a commissary-style eatery.
Tickets include post-event Meet and Greet with Director, Lisa Hurwitz, upscale desserts, and coffee bar.
- Don’t Forget to Write
Author Sara Goodman Confino
Date: Sunday, November 10
Time: 10:30 am
Sarah Goodman Confino’s latest novel, Don’t Forget to Write, straddles worlds as well as centuries. It begins with a banishing, the result of a young woman’s brief seduction of a rabbi’s son. Following her very public embarrassment, Marilyn is given the choice of marrying the rabbi’s son or being sent to live with her great-aunt, Ada.
Marilyn is appalled by both options. There is no way she will agree to a shotgun marriage, and the only things she has heard about Ada make her out to be an unforgiving old woman. It’s 1960, and Marilyn wants to go back to college and be free of her stern father and her cowed mother, who lives under his thumb in ways Marilyn vows never to emulate, if and when she marries.
With no marriage in the offing, Marilyn is sent to Philadelphia, where Ada lives. Marilyn’s first impression of her great-aunt, beyond her wild driving home from the train station, is that she is all about rules: what Marilyn can and can’t do, and how she will be punished for doing or not doing. Even Marilyn’s lipstick is confiscated; Ada says that it makes her look like a “tart.” Marilyn envisions a long, cruel, prison-like summer.
- Oren Liebermann
Date: Sunday, November 10
Time: 12:30 pm
In addition to speaking about his personal journey from Virginia and Israel to various reporting assignments, including CBS3 in Philadelphia, Oren will be sharing his plight with Type I Diabetes through his book The Insulin Express: One Backpack, Five Continents, and the Diabetes Diagnosis That Changed Everything.
Tickets include a light Israeli lunch at 12:30 pm followed by speaker at 1:30 pm. - The Joy of Costco
Authors David and Susan Schwartz
Date: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 6:30 pm
David and Susan Schwartz discuss The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt From A to Z
Join David and Susan Schwartz, a married Jewish couple, on a whirlwind tour of Costco warehouses around the globe. They are two of Costco’s biggest fans yet live in one of NYC’s smallest apartments.
Since 2016, they have been to over 250 of Costco’s 850+ warehouses, plus gotten behind-the-scenes looks at one of the world’s favorite retailers. Topics are covered in a whimsical A to Z format, using Q & A to delight the more than 128 million Costco members and over 300,000 dedicated Costco employees.
Tickets include special Costco snacks.
- Mosaic Class Art Gallery Reception
Thursday, November 14
5:30 pm
Join us for the highly anticipated exhibition of beautifully detailed mosaics created by students of artist and instructor Jill Snyder. These stunning works, crafted during classes at the Katz JCC, are the result of hours of dedication under the expert guidance of the talented Jill Snyder.
Refreshments will be served. Free and open to the community. Advanced registration encouraged. - A Taste of Israel with Joel Chasnoff
Date: Friday, November 15
Time: 10:30 am
Get a taste of Israel in this hands-on salad making workshop. Join comedian Joel Chasnoff for an exciting and flavorful Israeli Cooking Demo!
Joel brings his signature humor and expertise to the kitchen as he showcases traditional Israeli dishes with a modern twist. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll enjoy learning how to prepare authentic Middle Eastern recipes that reflect the rich cultural and culinary history of Israel. Expect vibrant flavors, fascinating stories behind the dishes, and plenty of laughs along the way. Participants will leave with practical cooking tips and a deeper appreciation for Israeli cuisine including fattoush, Moroccan spiced carrots, mint cherry tomato salad, and classic katzutz.
- Comedy Night with Joel Chasnoff
Date: Saturday, November 16
Time: 7:00 pm
Join us for an evening of laughter and celebration with Israeli-American comedian Joel Chasnoff.
Author and winner of the National Jewish Book Award for his latest book, Israel 201, Joel wears multiple hats. A versatile and polished stand-up comedian and speaker with over 20 years of performances, he’s presented his unique brand of clean, uplifting Jewish comedy for more than 1,500 Jewish audiences in North America, Europe, Israel, and Australia.
Tickets include light hors d’oeuvres and wine tasting provided by Margate Gardens Wine and Spirits.
- Israel: State of the State with Joel Chasnoff
Date: Sunday, November 17
Time: 10:30 am
Join us for an insightful and engaging discussion with renowned comedian and speaker Joel Chasnoff as he delves into the current state of Israel. Joel grew up in Evanston, IL, where he attended Solomon Schechter Day School and Camp Ramah. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Joel kissed his mom and diploma goodbye in pursuit of an oversized, olive-green uniform. Serving as a tank gunner in the Golan Heights and South Lebanon, Joel chronicles his wide range of experiences in the IDF in his bestselling comedic memoir The 188th Crybaby Brigade.
On his upcoming spring tour, Yachad, Joel will makeshift meaningful stories, uplifting workshops, and comedic performances into the glue that bonds Jewish communities closer together. During his visit to our community, Joel will repurpose the oys and joys of Jewish life in America into an invitation to laugh together. Joel currently lives in Ra’anana, Israel, with his Israeli wife and their four kids.
- Mahjong at Mara’s
Debra Green author of Mahjong at Mara’s
Date: Tuesday, November 19
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Join us for an engaging and entertaining afternoon with acclaimed author Debra Green, as she presents her latest book, Mahjong at Mara’s. Set in the heart of a vibrant community, this delightful novel weaves together friendship, culture, and the timeless game of Mahjong.
Mahjong Brunch
Enjoy both the presentation from Debra Green and stay for Mahjong Brunch from 12:00 – 3:30 pm after the speaker.
- The Great Gimmelmans
Author Lee Matthew Goldberg
Date: Tuesday, November 19
Time: 6:30 pm
Lee Matthew Goldberg presents The Great Gimmelmans.
Middle child Aaron Gimmelman watches as his family goes from a mild-mannered reform Jewish clan to having over a million dollars of stolen money stuffed in their RV’s cabinets while being pursued by the FBI and loan sharks. But it wasn’t always like that. His father Barry made a killing as a stockbroker, his mother Judith loved her collection of expensive hats, his older sister Steph was obsessed with pop stars, and little sister Jenny loved her stuffed possum, Seymour.
After losing all their money in the Crash of 1987, the family starts stealing from convenience stores, but when they hit a bank, they realize the talent they possess. The money starts rolling in and brings the family closer together, whereas back at home, no one had any time for bonding due to their busy schedules. But Barry’s desire for more, more, more will take its toll on the Gimmelmans, and Aaron is forced into an impossible choice: turn against his father, or let his family fall apart.
From Jersey, down to an Orthodox Jewish community in Florida where they hide out, and up to California, The Great Gimmelmans goes on a madcap ride through the 1980s. It is filled with greed and love and the meaning of religion and tradition until the walls of the RV and the feds start closing in.
- Challah Bake with Tova Rappoport
Date: Wednesday, November 20
Time: 11:00 am
SOLD OUT
Don’t miss this delightful and hands-on challah baking session hosted by the talented Tova Rappoport. Challah, a traditional Jewish bread, is known for its soft, slightly sweet texture and beautiful braided appearance. This beloved bread is typically enjoyed during Shabbat and Jewish holidays, symbolizing the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Jewish community.
In this interactive workshop, Tova will guide you through the process of making your own challah from scratch. Learn about the history and significance of this special bread, and gain valuable baking tips and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this session promises to be both educational and enjoyable. By the end, you’ll have fresh, homemade challah to take home and share with family and friends.
- Paint & Sip with Raheli Ahavah
Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 6:00 pm
Unleash your creativity and enjoy a relaxing evening with our Paint & Sip event, led by the talented artist Raheli Ahavah. This engaging session combines art and socializing, offering a unique opportunity to explore your artistic side while sipping on your favorite beverage.
Raheli Ahavah will guide you through the painting process, providing step-by-step instructions to help you create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, Raheli’s approachable and encouraging style will ensure a fun and fulfilling experience.
All painting supplies will be provided, including canvases, paints, brushes, and aprons. Feel free to bring your favorite drink and snacks to enjoy as you paint. This event is perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or simply a chance to unwind and express yourself through art.
- Concert by Jeff Hartman
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: 7:00 pm
Experience an unforgettable evening of music with a live concert by the acclaimed Jeff Hartman. Known for his captivating performances and soulful melodies, Jeff Hartman will take the stage to deliver an exhilarating show that showcases his exceptional talent and artistry. With over 5 Million streams to date on Spotify and 4.5 million views on YouTube Jeff Hartman has reached over 10 million listeners to date. A prolific singer-songwriter and internationally acclaimed recording artist, he’s developed a soothing, guitar-driven melodic style that blends elements of smooth jazz and soulful, adult contemporary pop and rock, earning him comparisons to artists like Brian Adams, James Taylor, and Richard Marx.
With a repertoire that spans a range of genres, from classic hits to contemporary favorites, Jeff’s performance promises to be a highlight of the ABC Festival. Be sure to check out Jeff’s 79 music videos, including his latest rock songs on YouTube: Jeff Hartman Music
Jeff resides in Margate, NJ with his wife Paula owner of the Hartman Home Team, an award winning, nationally ranked real estate team.
- Why Did I Just Eat That?
Author Lisa D. Ellis
Date: Monday, November 25
Time: 2:00 pm
Get off the diet roller coaster and embark on a life-affirming journey towards a positive and sustainable relationship with food and your body. In Why Did I Just Eat That?, author Lisa Ellis offers a fresh perspective on the psychology behind eating habits, helping readers break free from the endless cycle of dieting and guilt. This enlightening discussion will explore how to foster a healthier connection with food, rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and balance.
Don’t miss this transformative experience, designed to inspire lasting change and a more fulfilling relationship with food.
Event Sponsor
The Jeanne and Richard Kaskey Foundation
Silver Sponsor
Bronze Sponsors
Funded in part by the Jewish Community Foundation and the Annual Campaign of Jewish Federation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.
