Why should a Jewish book fair still be in existence in the year 2012?

People can read anything they choose without leaving their home. The latest headlines are streamed to our electronic devices 24 hours a day. Certainly the JCC's  Annual Jewish Book Fair provides the opportunity to hear an author speak in person - but a quick tap on the iPad offers almost the same.  While researching for this year’s Jewish Book Fair, I used all types of electronic devices to see  and hear what kind of speakers the authors would be. I listened to many author interviews on the radio and watched countless authors speaking on YouTube. I also had the opportunity to see many authors at live events. One lasting impression exists; experiencing an author electronically is like going out to dinner and watching someone else taste your food. Likewise, holding a printed book adds to the experience of reading. The joy I feel when I pull a book from a shelf in my home and share it with friends is unparalleled.

We are fortunate to live in a city that offers a thriving book fair – extending throughout two centuries! The JCC's Annual Jewish Book Fair has a life and spontaneity of its own each year, independent of personal design. The subject matter published differs from year to year and, in the end, themes seem to develop. This year there are books on arts, letters, and science; our senses will experience both fine art and music as our minds are stimulated by science and medicine. The U.S. election will be over, so the Annual Jewish Book Fair will fill the gap with plenty of debate in the areas of international politics and religion, while embracing those of all faiths locally.

The Annual Jewish Book Fair is a unique gift offered to the Detroit Metro community. Allow yourself to reserve time to grasp the moment and be a part of this jewel of Detroit! Best wishes and respect for all,

Sue Lutz

This may be a strange comparison, but these days in August as I write this letter everything seems to be the 2012 Summer Olympics: every day, all day, with highlighted events each evening that feature prominent and emerging athletes.  I cannot help but make a comparison to our 61st Annual Book Fair. For a little less time than the 17-day Olympics, our community also goes into“Olympic mode” - Book Fair is every day, all day, with highlighted eventseach evening that feature prominent and emerging authors.

Our programs include representation from all over the world, whether it is the authors themselves or book content. In addition to the United States, this year we represent England, Israel, Canada, Syria, Germany, Poland, Hungary and France, just to name a few...

Our goal is to bring you the best of the best - not unlike that other major event we all enjoyed this past summer!

Welcome to the 61st Annual Jewish Book Fair. Let the events begin!

Best,

Shari Lebo