Books that Changed My Life Festival | 2025
BOOKS THAT CHANGED MY LIFE FESTIVAL | 2025
Dive into the enchanting world of the Books That Changed My Life Festival, hosted by the JCC’s Lambert Center for Arts + Ideas. This 3rd annual celebration of programs takes place over two months and embraces the magical power of books to transform our lives. Cozy up with a captivating read from our pop-up library in The Laurie M. Tisch Gallery in our lobby, and join thought-provoking conversations and programs with notable minds as they share the books that have left an indelible mark on their journeys. Make some friends at our monstrous exhibit, and engage in lively discussions with fellow book lovers. We hope this festival brings you joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the stories that shape us all.
The Jewish people are often called the "people of the book," and for good reason. In this lively presentation of diverse reading materials, we honor the power of stories to shape our lives. Through storytelling, documentation, and the exploration of alternate worlds, we enrich our lives, forge deeper connections, and find greater meaning. Join us as we dive into the boundless worlds within books, celebrating the magic that binds us together and the wisdom that enlightens our journey.
Author in Residence | Maya Arad
The Books That Changed My Life festival is thrilled to announce its first-ever Author in Residence. For an entire week in February, Maya will be in the lobby of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, ready to meet with community members and listen to their life stories. This is your chance to share your unique experiences with a celebrated author—who knows, you might even inspire a character in her next book!
Maya Arad is the author of 11 works of Hebrew fiction, as well as acclaimed studies in literary criticism and linguistics. Born in Israel and now based in California, she serves as Writer in Residence at Stanford University’s Taube Center for Jewish Studies. Her latest novel, The Hebrew Teacher, has just been translated into English.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to connect with a remarkable storyteller!
Dates + Times:
Mon, Feb 10, 4–7 pm
Tue, Feb 11, 8–11 am
Wed, Feb 12, noon–3 pm
Thu, Feb 13, 3–6 pm
Sun, Feb 16, 4–7 pm — Special Residency Closing Event
SCHEDULE 2025
Events are updated frequently, stay current by joining our mailing list.
Jan 16 | Story Bites (and Sweet Treats): An Evening of Culinary Arts, Fiction, and Cupcakes
Jan 23 | Bound by Stories: Ann Napolitano in Conversation with Noa Manheim
Feb 3 | Shalom Japan: A Culinary Journey
Feb 5 | Happy Hour Cocktails + the Best Book for NYC Moms with Sophie Brickman
Feb 10 | The Hall of Fame of The Great Monsters with Jackie Hoffman
Feb 13 | Yael Van Der Wouden (Booker Prize Nominee) in Conversation with Lauren Wein
Feb 19 | Author Chloe Sorvino in Conversation with Marguerite Zabar Mariscal, CEO of Momofuku
Feb 23 | The Outsiders
Feb 24 | In Conversation with Gregg Hurwitz
Feb 27 | A Conversation with Tod Lending: The Umbrella Maker’s Son
Jan 14 | Storytime in the Lobby: WonderSpark Puppets Presents the Case of the Missing Creature
Jan 26 | We Start to Sing! The Paper Bag Players: A Performance for Kids and Families (Morning Show)
Jan 26 | We Start to Sing! The Paper Bag Players: A Performance for Kids and Families (Afternoon Show)
Jan 29 | Once Upon a Time: A Musical Storybook
Feb 2 | Room for Rent Family Concert (English)
Feb 2 | Room for Rent Family Concert (Hebrew)
Feb 4 | Storytime in the Lobby: Ben Romano
Feb 9 | Sunset Circus (Morning Show)
Feb 9 | Sunset Circus (Afternoon Show)
Feb 11 | Storytime in the Lobby: Oscar's Blue Bandana with Wendy C. Goldstein
Feb 23 | The Outsiders
Jan 9 | Opening Party: A Monstrous Book Party for Families
Jan 14 | Storytime in the Lobby: WonderSpark Puppets Presents the Case of the Missing Creature
Jan 26 | We Start to Sing! The Paper Bag Players: A Performance for Kids and Families (Morning Show)
Jan 26 | We Start to Sing! The Paper Bag Players: A Performance for Kids and Families (Afternoon Show)
Jan 26 | Children’s Book Fair
Feb 2 | Room for Rent Family Concert (English)
Feb 2 | Room for Rent Family Concert (Hebrew)
Feb 4 | Storytime in the Lobby: Ben Romano
Feb 9 | Family Art Day
Feb 9 | Sunset Circus (Morning Show)
Feb 9 | Sunset Circus (Afternoon Show)
Feb 11 | Storytime in the Lobby: Oscar's Blue Bandana with Wendy C. Goldstein
Jan 9 | Opening Party: A Monstrous Book Party for Families
Jan 10 | Shabbat Shabbang
Jan 15 | Book Tour: A Mark in Time: Lower East Side Jewish Literature
Jan 20–24 | Children’s Book Drive
Feb 5 | Book Bites Club with Liat Sheerit
Feb 12 | Book Tour: A Mark in Time: Lower East Side Jewish Literature
Feb 23 | The Outsiders
SPONSORS
The Books That Changed My Life Festival is made possible thanks to the generosity of The Harold Anfang Foundation, the Upper West Side Shilchut of The Jewish Agency for Israel, UJA-Federation of New York, and the Israel Office of Cultural Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel.
Gallery exhibits and programs are made possible with the generous support of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. Additional support is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the generosity of individual donors.
PARTNERS
We would also like to thank our partners the Shakespeare and Company and the Jewish Book Council.