Renown author Michael Chabon autographs one of his books during the American Jewish University's Celebration of Books Festival in early November.

Program's Mission:
Host the first-ever Celebration of Jewish Books Festival in Los Angeles

Grant:
$200,000 Cutting Edge Grant for their Celebration of Jewish Books Festival

About the Program:
November is Jewish Book month. And now, thanks to a generous Cutting Edge Grant from The Foundation, Los Angeles Jews have an annual Jewish Books Festival to attend in celebration.

The American Jewish University used their Cutting Edge Grant to host the first-ever Los Angeles Celebration of Jewish Books Festival in November 2007 and the response was incredible. More than 5,000 people from across Southern California attended the week-long event.

"This grant from The Foundation enabled us to expand our vision of the celebration and bring in very high-profile, award-winning authors," said Emily Corleto, volunteer chair for the 2007 festival. "Without the grant the festival would never have had the scope that it did."

More than 30 popular Jewish authors joined the event including Michael Chabon, Tony Kushner and Anita Diamant. On Sunday, the festival ended on a high note with Israeli music and dancing, children's acts, and an array of trendy, kosher food vendors.

"We are very appreciative to The Foundation," said Corleto. "We look forward to hosting the festival in Los Angeles for many years to come."

In the meantime, Los Angeles Jews can continue to share their passion for Jewish books at the American Jewish University's smaller book clubs. "We are going to have ongoing book clubs and meet-the-author discussion groups throughout the year," said Corleto. "Every two to three months there will be another book chosen and book clubs hosted across L.A."