Something fresh is coming to The Jewish Community Center—and we’re not just talking about the bagels. This new brunch-and-book series pairs a schmear of Jewish flavor with a side of local storytelling.
“Books and Bagels,” a new daytime “Brunch and Learn” series from the Center for Jewish Literature at the J, kicks off June 25 with longtime St. Louis author Alan Spector. His latest book, “Life Lessons Learned,” is full of the kinds of one-liners, cultural sayings and personal reflections that linger long after the last page—or the last bite.
So, what’s behind this new series?
Turns out, it started with a scheduling shift—and a spark of inspiration from Jewish Book Festival (JBF) co-chairs Madelon Scallet and Barb Raznik.
“We moved our JBF committee meetings to the evenings to better include working members,” said Jessica Fischoff, manager of literary arts at the J. “But we wanted to keep something for the community members who really cherish the tradition of daytime meetups.”
The book
Spector, a past panelist in the festival’s “Missouri’s Own” lineup, was a natural first guest.
“He writes with clarity, humility, and heart,” Fischoff said. “His book on purpose and legacy aligns beautifully with the spirit of ‘Books and Bagels’—encouraging reflection and the kind of storytelling that stays with you.”
The bagels
“Books and Bagels,” she said, is about staying connected—through meaningful conversations, storytelling and yes, a good bagel.
Fischoff will take care of the “books” in the new series, while bagel duty falls to the team from Lefty’s—who fittingly are opening a second location just steps from the J. The new café-style space at H&J Café in the Mirowitz Center is set to open this month with expanded brunch offerings, and enough smoked fish to feed an entire literary salon.
The J hopes to make this a monthly tradition, with each session spotlighting authors who reflect life in and around St. Louis—whether they’re cultural chroniclers, spiritual seekers or simply good storytellers.
“I’d love to see this series become something our community looks forward to year-round,” Fischoff said.
The details:
Books and Bagels with Alan Spector
The J, Staenberg Family Complex – Arts & Education Building, 2 Millstone Campus Dr.
Wednesday, June 25 at 10:30 a.m.
Registration required
