Category: Book Festival

  • GROUNDBREAKING EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE ARCHITECT OF THE NEW BJP

    GROUNDBREAKING EVENT HIGHLIGHTING THE ARCHITECT OF THE NEW BJP

    By Mabel Pais

    Impact Modi: a groundbreaking event dedicated to igniting change and transformation, takes place on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the prestigious Upper Montclair Country Club, 177 Hepburn Rd Clifton NJ 07012. With a focus on empowering individuals and driving positive social impact, this event aims to inspire attendees to become agents of change in their communities. Impact Modi brings together veteran journalist and author Mr. Ajay Singh in conversation with Mr. Vikram J. Singh, former deputy assistant secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia. to discuss his book, ‘The Architect of the New BJP: How Narendra Modi Transformed The Party.’

    Anil Bansal, IAAC Board Member, stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is acknowledged as a global phenomenon who has propelled India on the world stage as a major force for good. The program features two leading commentators who will provide deep insights into the man, his mission, and what his long-term impact on Indian polity will be.”

    Nirmal Mattoo, IAAC Chairman, commented, “Vikram Singh has occupied the highest offices in the US at a policy level dealing with security, defense, and aerospace. He will share his insights as to what the agreement between the US and India really means to both countries and people.”

    FOR ATTENDEES

    Attendees at the event will have the unique opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions. Whether one is an aspiring social entrepreneur, a corporate professional seeking purpose-driven initiatives, or simply an individual passionate about creating a better world, Impact Modi offers invaluable insights to learn, connect, and collaborate.

    THE BOOK

    In less than forty years of its existence, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has become the world’s largest political party and continues to go from strength to strength in Indian politics. Although its historic rise may seem organic to some, there is much internal deliberation and planning that has aided the growth of this 180-million-member organization.

    ‘The Architect of the New BJP’ uses in-depth research and concrete examples to explain how the BJP has transformed over the decades. It reveals lesser-known contributions, like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s experiments with traditional methods of party-building, his keen eye for detail and the different innovative methodologies to expand the party. Ajay Singh not only examines the past of the party, including the vision of its founders, but also provides a glimpse into the future of the party. Based on extensive interviews with many party workers, leaders and observers, this is the story of how the veterans of this cadre-based party, appreciating its limitations, developed a unique Indian model that eventually transformed the BJP into the election-winning machine it is today.

    REGISTRATION & BOOK SIGNING

    To register and secure a spot, visit eventbrite.com/e/impact-modi-registration-675033672887

    Register early to avoid disappointment. Book sales will not happen, so bring your book if you’d like it signed.

    Club Dress Code Policy

    Appropriate denim attire includes jeans/ pants, jackets, proper length shorts, skirts, skorts, capris, and dresses. Denim must be neat and free of any rips, stains and excess wear. UMCC does not allow cut-offs, overalls, baggy jeans, bleached/acid washed or torn denim.

    Gentlemen must wear a collared shirt tucked in anytime on Club property, which must remain tucked in at all times. Please note the following clothing is prohibited at all times: shirts with slogans/pictures, hats/visors (in any active dining area and in Clubhouse), cargo shorts/pants, jogging/sweat shirts/suits, tee/athletic shirts.

    Jackets are required for all “Holiday” Events. Members are responsible to ensure their Guests comply with the UMCC Dress Code at all times. Children 14 years of age and older are subject to the UMCC Dress code. Children under 14 years of age should be appropriately dressed.

    The Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC):

    The IAAC supports all the artistic disciplines in classical, fusion, folk and innovative forms influenced by the arts of India. We work cooperatively with colleagues around the U.S. to broaden our collective audiences and to create a network for shared information, resources and funding. Its focus is to help artists and art organizations in North America as well as to facilitate artists from India to exhibit, perform and produce their work here. For more information, visit iaac.us.

    (Mabel Pais writes on Business, Spirituality, Health & Wellness, Social Issues, Education, Cuisine, and The Arts and Entertainment)

  • BOOKS FEST CONTINUES AT JCC

    • By Mabel Pais

    Featuring

    Author JAI CHAKRABARTI

    Banned Books Panel with PEN AMERICA

    Author CHELSEA CLINTON

    BTCML, Book Cover Gallery. (Photo credit: JCC)

    Wed, Feb 1, 7 pm – In Person

    Jewish Food Society Storytelling Event

    Jewish Food Society presents ‘The Story That Changed My Life,’ a live taping of their award-winning storytelling podcast, ‘Schmaltzy.’ Hear stories from authors and luminaries, followed by a lively roundtable discussion led by Schmaltzy host Amanda Dell. Book signing to follow, and like all Schmaltzy events, enjoy drinks and bites inspired by the stories.

    Sun, Feb 5, 11 am – In Person

    Ha’Keves haShisha Asar in Concert

    This special event will feature a concert of the classic Israeli children’s story and album Ha’Keves haShisha Asar (‘The Sixteenth Sheep’). Together with host Elad Kabilio of MusicTalks, Yoav Eshed on guitar, Alon Nir on double bass, and Eviatar Slivnik on drums, this performance will celebrate the incredible 1978 collaboration of author Yonatan Gefen and composer Yoni Rechter, which created a unique piece of art that speaks volumes to children and adult alike. Songs will be performed in Hebrew.

    Mon, Feb 6, 7 pm – In Person

    Author Allegra Goodman in Conversation with Literary Agent Julie Barer P

    The Book Group’s Julie Barer, host of the JCC’s Authors in Quarantine series, was inspired by the writing of author Allegra Goodman to go into a career in books and, in a turn of events, eventually became her literary agent. Allegra, whose latest novel Sam is January 2023’s ‘Read with Jenna’ pick, sits down with Julie to talk about the book and each of their respective careers.

    Tue, Feb 7, 4:30 pm – In Person

    Storytime in the Lobby with Amy Rosenfeld F P

    Storyteller: Amy Rosenfeld

    Amy Rosenfeld has been the Librarian at the Saul and Carole Zabar Nursery School for 11 years. She enjoys exploring different themes with the children during story times, and strives to find new books pertaining to diversity and inclusion to add into the growing school library.

    Amy adapted a children’s book, ‘Daniel and Max Play Together,’ which was published in December of 2021.

    Thu, Feb 9, 7 pm – In Person

    Banned Books Panel with PEN America

    PEN America champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Join PEN America’s Director of Free Expression and Education Programs Jonathan Friedman, in a timely and important panel discussion with frequently banned authors and topic experts. The panel will include prolific YA author David Levithan (‘Boy Meets Boy,’ ‘Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist,’ ‘Dash & Lily’) and additional guests to be announced.

    Mon, Feb 13 at 7 pm – In Person

    Chelsea Clinton in Conversation with Abigail Pogrebin

    New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Clinton’s latest book, ‘Welcome to the Big Kids Club,’ is the essential guide for kids welcoming the newest member of their family. Chelsea sits down with JCC staple Abigail Pogrebin to talk about the book, as well as Clinton’s influential, bestselling, and life-changing ‘She Persisted’ series. Tickets include a signed copy of the book.

    Tue, Feb 14, 4:30 pm – In Person

    Storytime in the Lobby: Drag Queen Story Hour with Abbi Gezunt F P

    Storyteller: Abbi Gezunt | Abbi Gezunt (Yochai Greenfeld) is a Jewish mother from the Five Towns of Long Island who devotes her precious time to creating sensible educational Jewish entertainment. Her Jewtorials can be found online and her Jewish drag shows are the latest sensation at the JCC. Appropriate for ages 6+.

    Wed, Feb 15, 5–8 pm – In Person

    Altered Book Workshop

    Instructor: DJ O’Connel | In this fun workshop, repurpose old books by turning them into personal journals using paint, paper, recycled items, fabric, and ink. Books will be semi-destroyed in the transformation process. Beginners welcome. May not be suitable for children under age 10. All materials will be supplied—just bring your imagination.

    Thu, Feb 16, 7 pm – In Person

    Michael Winograd Plays Tanz: A Live Album Recreation

    Join Brooklyn musician Michael Winograd and his stellar band for a performance of ‘Tanz,’ a recreation of the 1956 album featuring clarinetists Sam Musiker and the King of Klezmer Dave Tarras. Ahead of its time, ‘Tanz’ was a landmark recording, pushing the boundaries of Jewish music. Now celebrated as one of the greatest Klezmer records, more than six decades later, ‘Tanz’ comes to life in this live performance and concert filming.

    BTCML, Library. (Photo credit: JCC)

    Tue, Feb 21, 4:30 pm – In Person

    Storytime in the Lobby

    Storyteller: TBD

    Wed, Feb 22, 7 pm – In Person

    Author Jai Chakrabarti in Conversation with Jewish Book Council’s Becca Kantor

    National Jewish Book Award winner Jai Chakrabarti (‘A Play for the End of the World’) had his life changed when he discovered Bernard Malamud’s ‘The Magic Barrel’ at a used bookstore in a suburb of India. This year is the 65th anniversary of the book’s publication, as well as the 65th anniversary of Bernard Malamud receiving the National Jewish Book Award for another work of his, ‘The Assistant.’ Becca Kantor, editorial director of the Jewish Book Council (which administers the National Jewish Book Award), talks to Jai about his newest book and the impact and legacy of Malamud’s work.

    Thu, Feb 23, 7 pm – Virtual

    Join JCC for a rebroadcast of the very first ‘Books That Changed My Life’ event: an intimate conversation between prolific writers Elizabeth Gilbert (‘Eat Pray Love,’ ‘City of Girls’) and Maggie Smith (‘Good Bones,’ ‘Goldenrod’), inspired by Gilbert’s bestselling book ‘Big Magic,’ a book that changed Smith’s life. The live stream of this event was recorded in April.

    Sun, Feb 26, 11 am – In Person

    ‘Dot Dot Dot: A New Musical’

    Based on the Creatrilogy series of books, ‘The Dot, Ish & Sky Color’ by Peter H. Reynolds

    An exciting new musical based on the Creatrilogy trio of award-winning picture books (‘The Dot, Ish, and Color Sky’) by New York Times bestselling author Peter H. Reynolds that celebrates the power of originality, self-expression, and opening our eyes to look beyond the expected. Written by Keelay Gipson and Sam Salmond. A TheaterWorksUSA Production. Appropriate for ages 5+.

    Mon, Feb 27, 7 pm – In Person

    In Conversation with Claudia Fleming, Executive Culinary Director, Daily Provisions

    Acclaimed pastry chef Claudia Fleming, executive culinary director for ‘Daily Provisions,’ will discuss her latest cookbook, ‘Delectable: Sweet & Savory Baking,’ as well as books that changed her life. Conversation partner will be announced soon.

    Every Tues at 4:30 pm – In Person

    Storytime in the Lobby

    Every Tuesday at 4:30-5:15 from Jan 10 to Feb 28 will be storytime in the lobby library. Join JCC for special guests including drag queen Yuhua Hamasaki, WonderSpark Puppets, JCC staff members, and more. Storyteller to be announced.

    The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan

    Learn more at mmjccm.org 

    (Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Health & Wellness, Cuisine and Spirituality