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The JCC Jewish Book Festival is back for its 39th year, bringing unity to the community amid challenging times at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (along with other venues). 

The festival brings writers from Canada, the USA, Israel, and England from February 10 to 15, embracing written, illustrated, and performed pieces that touch on history, humour, healing, and everything in between. Here are some events during the festival you won’t want to miss.

Ordinary, Extraordinary: My Father’s Life book launch

Kicking off before the festival officially begins, in honour of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, is the launch of Bernard Pinsky’s book, Ordinary, Extraordinary: My Father’s Life. The book recounts Rubin Pinsky’s survival of the Holocaust, detailing his journey throughout and after the genocide. This event, in partnership with the Holocaust Education Centre, features a conversation between the author and Marsha Lederman, and a complimentary book is offered to attendees.

When: Sunday, January 28 at 1pm

Where: Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver)

Tickets: Free, register here

Opening Night: The Ultimate Canadian Jewish Icon

A tribute to famed Canadian author and musician Leonard Cohen, this conversation between author Michael Posner (author of Leonard Cohen: Untold Stories – That’s How the Light Gets In) and noted Cohen scholar and former editor of BC Bookworld Alan Twigg is also punctuated by a live musical performance. The evening promises to speak on the final volume of an epic, three-book oral biography of the certified cultural giant, whose contributions to poetry, prose, and music have done Canadians proud.

When: Saturday, February 10 at 7:30pm

Where: Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre (950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver)

Tickets: $25, available here

Laugh & Learn – Humour Coast to Coast

In the midst of pain there can still be laughter. Humour authors Jeffrey Groberman and Steven Mayoff will be presenting at this lunchtime event full of entertainment and wit. Groberman brings his book Grobetrotting Strikes Again!—a sequel to Grobetrotting: Travel the World Laugh by Laugh with self-deprecating humour and cringe-worthy travel stories, while Mayoff introduces The Island Gospel According to Samson Grief, a darkly humorous novel set in Prince Edward Island, where a reclusive painter takes on an unusual challenge from three imaginary figures.

When: February 12 at 11:30am

Where: Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver)

Tickets: $18, available here

Spicy Valentine: LGBTQ+ Authors – Of Love and Israel

On Valentine’s Day, moderator Anakana Schofield speaks with LGBTQ+ authors who explore love and identity against the backdrop of Israel in their respective books. Tamara Faith Berger, author of Yara: A Novel, takes us on a journey from Brazil to Israel, unravelling a tale of desire and consent. Rebecca “Bee” Sacks talks about her book, The Lover, a love story set in Tel Aviv amid the complexities of war. This provocative talk promises to challenge norms and spark thought on conflict, intensity, and compassion.

When: February 14 at 8pm

Where: Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver)

Tickets: $18, available here

Closing Night: Jewish True Crime Stories

Join moderator S.M. Freedman for an evening of history, mystery, and crime with two true stories from lauded authors. Allan Levine talks about his book, Details Are Unprintable, unravelling the scandalous murder trial of Wayne Lonergan in 1940s New York; while David Rabinovitch thrills with his novel Jukebox Empire, a story that explores the invention of the jukebox, Havana casinos, and the FBI’s biggest bank robbery. 

When: February 15 at 8pm

Where: Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver (950 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver)

Tickets: $20, available here