Hear from thought leaders and speakers from around the world. Authors share their latest books, film directors go behind the scenes of their movies, experts sound off on engaging panel discussions, and more.
Upcoming Talks
EXHIBIT+SPEAKER | HYPHEN: Graphic Novels of Jewish Diversity
November 1 • 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Explore Jewish diversity through HYPHEN: Jewish Stories in Our Own Words, a graphic novel exhibit featuring stories of identity, immigration and belonging. Join co-creator Julian Voloj on Nov. 1 for a special reception and conversation.
EXHIBIT+SPEAKER | Author/Photographer Lloyd Wolf, “A Joyful Noise: Klezmer in Motion”
December 13 • 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
For 30 years, award-winning photographer Lloyd Wolf has documented klezmer musicians, a uniquely Jewish art form—from old-school performers to cutting-edge upstarts.
SJCC Book Club: “Enormous Wings” + Author Laurie Frankel
December 15 • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
SJCC Book Club pick for this month is “Enormous Wings” by New York Times bestselling author Laurie Frankel. We will discuss the book and then be joined in person by the Seattle author.
CHEF TALK + TASTING | PBS star Pati Jinich, “Foods of La Frontera” Cookbook Event
January 21, 2027 • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
In her new cookbook, acclaimed chef, NY Times bestselling author and James Beard- and Emmy-winning PBS TV star celebrates the rich cultures and foods of the US/Mexico border, and her own Jewish-Mexican heritage. Moderated by Rachel Belle of Cascade PBS's "The Nosh.”
AUTHOR + CONCERT | Indie Musician Alicia Jo Rabins’ Spiritual Memoir
March 27, 2027 • 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Writer, musician, filmmaker and Torah teacher—Alicia Jo Rabins discusses her new memoir, "When We're Born We Forget Everything" and performs from her indie-folk song cycle, "Girls in Trouble" about the complicated lives of Biblical Women.
AUTHOR | Roberta Kwall, “Polarized: Why American Jews are Divided and What to Do About It”
April 1, 2027 • 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
A multidisciplinary examination of major divides within the American Jewish community that lays out a blueprint for developing much-needed, productive discourse despite areas of disagreement.
AUTHOR BOOK CLUB | Elaine Culbertson, “Mamaleh” Memoir
May 5, 2027 • 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
For Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance), join author Elaine Culbertson for a virtual presentation and intimate book-club-style conversation about her gorgeous memoir, "Mamaleh: A Legacy of Love & Loss." Reading in advance recommended but not necessary.
EXHIBIT+SPEAKER | Michael Shapiro, “Ketubah Renaissance”
May 13, 2027 • 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Illuminating the contemporary revival and novel designs of the Jewish marriage contract, "Ketubah Renaissance" showcases the most innovative and artful ketubot of the last half century. See the exhibit, meet the author/curator and CEO of ketubah.com.
CHEF + DEMO | Leah Koenig, “The Dessert Table: 100 Joyous Jewish Sweets”
June 6, 2027 • 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
A richly researched, love letter to 2,000 years of Jewish sweets—from historic Venice, Syria and Curaçao, to home bakers in Hungary and Poland, and up-and-coming bakeries in the US and diaspora.
