From JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER TOLEDO
The 22nd annual Northwest Ohio Jewish Book Festival will bring a lineup of authors and stories. This includes in-person author appearances discussing a generation of Jewish immigrants who helped shape the American childhood experience through iconic toys and brands; true stories of mobsters, money, and mystery; a Toledo-native’s journey to a remote Italian mountain village after the loss of his beloved dog; and the traditions and inspirations behind plant-based recipes from the William Greenberg Desserts bakery in New York City. Presented by Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo, the festival will run Monday, Oct. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 15.
The Northwest Ohio Jewish Book Festival would like to acknowledge the following for their support and partnership: Jewish Book Council, Jewish Senior Services Supporting Organization, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Greater Toledo, and Stu & JoJo Goldberg Donor Advised Fund.
For the safety and security of the community, the location of all events will be shared with registrants prior to each event. To register for an event, call 419-724-0351 or visit https://jftoledo.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list/ticket. All programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notification due to schedules and commitments of the authors. Refunds will be available.
All featured author books will be available for presale. Limited books will be available for sale at and after all in-person events.
On Monday, Oct. 26, the festival will feature, “Playmakers: The Jewish Entrepreneurs who Created the Toy Industry in America” by Michael Kimmel at noon. The location will be in the Sylvania area. The cost for the event is $18 per person and includes the author presentation, kosher lunch, and refreshments. Attendees may also elect to pay $36 per person, which includes the author presentation, book, kosher lunch, and refreshments.
The community is invited to a presentation with Kimmel and discover the stories behind iconic toys and brands such as the teddy bear, Barbie, G.I. Joe, Mr. Potato Head, Lionel Trains, Hasbro, and Mattel, and learn how a generation of Jewish immigrants helped shape the American childhood experience. Drawing from his own family’s connection to the Ideal Toy Corporation, Kimmel brings to life the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and determination of the Jewish toymakers whose innovations transformed the toy industry and popular culture.
Kimmel is SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies Emeritus at Stony Brook University. He is the author of many books, including “Angry White Men,” “Manhood in America,” “Healing from Hate,” and the best-seller, “Guyland.” He is the great grandnephew of Morris Michtom, creator of the teddy bear and founder of Ideal Toy Company. He lives in Brooklyn.
On Saturday, Nov. 7, the festival will feature, “Wiseguys, Rabbis, and the FBI: How One Man Became the Biggest Loanshark in New York City, Went to Prison, and Escaped,” by J. A. Schwartzman at 6 p.m. The location will be announced closer to the event. The cost for the event is $25 per person, which includes the author presentation, dinner, and refreshments. Attendees may also pay $40 per person, which includes the book, author presentation, dinner, and refreshments.
The community is invited to step into the world of mobsters, money, and mystery and enjoy dinner while hearing directly from author J. A. Shwartzman. She will share the true story of Mel Cooper, a New York loanshark whose operation became entangled with organized crime and ultimately led to a landmark prosecution by U.S. Attorney Rudolph Giuliani. Drawing on interviews, trial transcripts, and firsthand accounts. Schwartzman brings to life a cast of colorful characters, high-stakes courtroom drama, and the surprising question at the heart of the case: who was really backing the loans?
Schwartzman is a copywriter and author from New York City. Her work has appeared in publications including “Mademoiselle Magazine,” Barbara Probst Solomon’s “The Reading Room,” the “New York Press,” and others. Her writing and editing have included non-fiction books, articles for trade and commercial publications, and a screenplay.
On Thursday, Nov. 12, the festival will feature “Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart,” by Matthew Sigman, Toledo native, at 7 p.m. The location will be in the Sylvania area. The cost will be $18 per person, which will include the author presentation, heavy appetizers, and refreshments. Attendees may also pay $36 per person, which will include the book, author presentation, heavy appetizers, and refreshments.
The community is invited to an Italian-inspired evening with Toledo native and author Matthew Sigman. Attendees may sip Italian-themed cocktails, enjoy heavy appetizers, and be transported to the villages of Italy as Sigman shares the story behind his memoir.
Filled with humor, adventure, and unexpected friendship, “Because of a Dog” follows Sigman’s journey to a remote Italian mountain village after the loss of his beloved dog. What begins as an impulsive escape becomes a life-changing experience, as he discovers the warmth of a welcoming community, the joy of new connections, and the healing power of embracing life’s surprises.
Sigman is a prize-winning journalist who explores the creative process of composers, performers, artists, directors, and behind-the-scenes professionals in the performing arts. A three-time recipient of the ASCAP-Deems Taylor Award, he has served as editor-in-chief of Symphony and Opera America magazines, and has contributed features, interviews, criticism, and commentary to “Opera News,” “American Theatre,” “Chorus America,” “Classical Music,” and NPR’s “Performance Today.” He lives in New York City’s West Village.
On Sunday, Nov. 15, the festival will feature “William Greenberg Desserts Bakes Vegan: Plant-Based Recipes from an Iconic New York Bakery,” by Carol Becker at 2 p.m. The location will be announced prior to the event. The cost is $18 per person, which includes the author presentation, desserts, and refreshments. Attendees may also elect to pay $36 per person, which includes the book, author presentation, desserts, and refreshments.
The community is invited to an afternoon with cookbook author and William Greenberg Desserts owner, Carol Becker. Attendees may sample treats from Becker’s cookbook, while she shares the stories, traditions, and inspirations behind her recipes.
Becker is the owner of William Greenberg Desserts, the New York bakery she acquired in 2008 and transformed into a nationally-recognized brand while preserving its kosher traditions and classic recipes. An entrepreneur, philanthropist, and cookbook author, Becker is also a leader in a variety of Jewish and civic organizations, combining business success with a lifelong commitment to community service.
