FROM THE BOOK FAIR CHAIR
FROM THE BOOK FAIR DIRECTOR
book takes us on adventures we would
otherwise never experience, sending us
to countries where we would never
travel and introducing us to people we would
never meet. A book enables us to climb moun-
tains and dive to the depths of the ocean.
Celebrating the past and looking toward the
future! One can only imagine what Irwin Shaw
was thinking 60 years ago as he began the
Jewish Book Fair. My guess is that he could not have
imagined his little book fair blossoming into the
world-class event it is today.
Whether your idea of reading is curling up on a
rainy day with a great book or lying on a beach
with your electronic reader, a story has the
power to transform.
In 1951, the typical family's annual income was $3,700,
gas was 19 cents a gallon and a house cost, on average,
$2,115. That same year, the term "rock & roll" was
coined by a D.J. in New Jersey and 11,000 new books
debuted. James Jones' novel, From Here to Eternity, was
published, as was as J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the
Rye and the Pulitzer Prize winner, The Caine Mutiny,
by Herman Wouk.
The 60th Annual Diamond Jewish Book Fair
invited remarkable authors who will expand our
world and bring our community closer together.
Through business professionals, we will hear
how we can strengthen and prosper. Some
authors will advise how to protect the health of
our bodies and our minds, while others will help
us share their challenges and hopes. Our travels
will lead us to unfamiliar cultures and help us
better understand our own. People and places in
history will be illuminated as we pay tribute to
righteous individuals everywhere.
We will be given the opportunity to laugh, cry
and be touched by literature, science and art.
I invite you to join the 60th Annual Diamond
Jewish Book Fair as we remember the past and
inspire the future!
Best,
Sue Lutz
MISSION STATEMENT
The Jewish Community Center of
Metropolitan Detroit's Annual Jewish Book
Fair is a community-wide cultural and
literary event, attracting a large and varied
audience of more than 20,000 people of all
ages. It is the oldest and largest Jewish book
fair in the nation.
Prominent and emerging writers - from
our community and all over the world - in
literature, the arts, philosophy, theology,
history and current events are invited to
engage, educate and entertain.
For those of you who may not know, Irwin Shaw was
born in Detroit in 1912. As a child, he spent most of his
time at the library. He began teaching in the Detroit
Public Schools while spending his summers as director
of the Fresh Air Camp. In 1951, Irwin Shaw became the
executive director of the Jewish Community Center,
where he remained until his retirement in 1976.
Even after retiring, Shaw could be found at the Jewish
Community Center most days for the next 25 years.
Shaw's love of books inspired his decision to begin the
Jewish Book Fair in 1951; 60 years later, it is the oldest
and largest Jewish book fair in the nation! Irwin Shaw
died in 2004, but he left a wonderful legacy of which the
Annual Jewish Book Fair is only a small piece.
Although change is inevitable, some things remain the
same. No Jewish Book Fair could have taken place
without the dedication and insight of those who came
before. This includes each of the past book fair chairs
and directors who ensured that we surpassed our
beginnings while staying true to our mission. Our
volunteers work tirelessly all year long to enhance
the programs and increase attendance. Without our
steering committee, this event could not take place.
For all the hours of meetings, research and outreach,
thank you for taking us to new heights, and congratula-
tions on reaching this milestone. Our diamond anniver-
sary will shine brightly as another unforgettable Jewish
Community Center event!
Happy 60th!
Shari Lebo